Swimming is really her thing

SHERISHA Brijlal, 11, is one of the province’s most promising junior open water swimmers.

The Phoenix youngster shocked the field in her first ever attempt at a 3km race earlier this month when she won the 13-and-under category at the South Coast Lake Eland Mile.

Brijlal, pictured right, who swims for the KwaMashu-based London Dolphins, clocked an impressive time of 57 minutes.

“I was surprised when my name was called out at the prize-giving,” she said. “I was a bit nervous at the start of the race but it was a good experience. I had lots of fun.

“I think overall I was pleased with my time. I practised in a swimming pool and completed the distance in a similar time. It is far harder in the dam though as there is a current. With it being a little windy on the day of the race, there were waves on the dam.”

Brijlal is no stranger to Lake Eland having swum her first ever open water race there seven years ago.

Since then, her career has taken off quite splendidly, with the youngster going on to complete her first Midmar Mile at the age of five.

“I enjoy open-water swimming,” she explained. “The atmosphere is great and I enjoy swimming with so many different people and making friends.”

The Hopeville Primary pupil picked up the sport at the tender age of four, imitating her brother, Akhir, a junior national swimmer, while he practised.

By the age of 7, Brijlal was chosen to be part of the KZN Aquatics and Department of Sport fast tracking squad. This programme helps fast track talented swimmers by providing funding and coaching.

“For now, I just want to train hard and have fun at competitions and not worry about winning. I’ll just be happy to keep improving my best times and work towards the 2022 Commonwealth Games as I will be 17 by then.”