Asherville teen gets in the swim big time
SYNCHRONISED swimmer Sonal Reddi springs out of the water with poise and elegance at a gruelling practice session at the Kings Park Pool.
The 16-year-old reports for training daily after a long day at school and still finds the energy to put in hours of work on her craft.
Reddi is busy preparing for the 2017 Fina World Aquatics Championships in Hungary next month, where she will represent South Africa at a senior level for the first time.
Having turned out for the junior outfit in Greece and Egypt over the last two years, Reddi is no stranger to elite competition.
“I was really excited when I got the call up to the senior team. It is a big privilege for someone as young as I am,” Reddi said. “It is a big step up and I am hoping my experience with the junior team will help me. There is a lot more pressure as we will be competing against older competitors.”
The Asherville resident has been forced to juggle her mid-year Grade 11 examinations with her preparations for the showpiece.
“It has been stressful for me but I am fully committed to both school and swimming,” she said.
With members of the national team spread around the country, Reddi can only train with KZN swimmers Giulia Torino and Phindile Makhaye.
“We have been for a training camp in Port Elizabeth where most of the team is based. We will have two more before we head to Hungary,” Reddi said. “The three of us practise the routine on our own in Durban. It’s challenging at times but I am confident it will all come together.”
Reddi is looking forward to a whole new experience in the pool with South Africa set to face the top synchronised swimming nations of the world.
“I know that I will have to swim really well in Hungary,” Reddi said. “We have a good team but we are a bit behind the rest of the world. It is a professional sport in other countries and that makes a big difference.”
Her coach, Kelly Sloley said Reddi must soak up the atmosphere at the World Championships and learn as much as possible. “It is a prestigious event. It will give Sonal a chance to be a part of tough competition” the former national synchronised swimmer said.