Bianca fast-tracking to lifesaving stardom
KWAZULU-NATAL’S Bianca Von Bargen is a beach sprinter on the rise after her stunning upset win against SA champion Mandi Maritz at the KZN Provincial Championships.
We spoke to her in the Independent Media’s build-up to the General Tire Lifesaving South Africa National Championships from April 2-7.
MARK KEOHANE: You excelled at the KZN Provincial Championships in upstaging South Africa’s veteran sprint queen Mandi Maritz. Give us some insight into the occasion and can you repeat the win at the National Championhips?
BIANCA VON BARGEN: To be honest, my win in the sprints at KZN champs came as a huge surprise, as I had not been doing any lifesaving specific training. I am concentrating my athletic career on the 400 metres race and therefore the training is not specific for a 90m beach sprint. My track club Fast Feet has made ahuge impact and difference to my life and athletic career. Mandi is also the long-standing South African champion, so I just decided to give the KZN champs my best effort, which happened to be good enough for the win on the day.
My primary focus will be on the Beach Flags and Sprints, however I am also a pool swimmer so I will try my hand at the 50m Manikin Tow.
MK: When did your passion start for competitive lifesaving?
BVB: I have been competing in lifesaving since the age of eight and thereafter the sport became an accessory to my life, hobbies and sporting career. I won my first SA national sprint title at age 10 and have been hooked ever since.
MK: Who inspires within the sport?
BVB: There is no specific person that I can say inspires me. I believe that every single person, young or old, who challenges themselves and pushes their boundaries in any aspect you of their lives is an inspiration to me. I admire people with perseverance and determination the most.
MK: What is a typical training week?
BVB: It is difficult balancing work and my training schedule, so whenever I can fit in a training session, I am happy! I usually swim three mornings a week with my hardcore surfing buddies and then aim at attending track sessions four times a week!
Port Elizabeth’s Kings Beach will for the first time play host to the combined masters, senior, junior and nippers General Tire Lifesaving South Africa National Championships from April 2-7. The extravaganza will see 2000 athletes competing in over 500 races. BEACH BLITZ; Marine Surf’s Bianca Von Bargen sprints to victory at the KZN Provincial Championships.