Time now on Schoenmaker’s side
TWO-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker said she is greatly relieved that the Tokyo Olympic Games have been postponed to next year.
In the light of her conquests on the world swimming circuit last year, Schoenmaker has emerged as one of South Africa’s leading medal contenders for future global events.
Last year she racked up medals at the World Student Games, Fina World Championships and the Tokyo World Cup.
These milestone achievements all contributed her being crowned Sports Star of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year at last year’s SA Sports Awards.
“It is a decision (postponing the Olympics) that was needed to be made as people’s lives are at risk due to the worldwide coronavirus,” said the University of Pretoria swimmer.
“From a personal perspective, the cancellation is a let-down. For 15 years it has been my dream to compete at an Olympic Games (and) 2020 would have been it. But then again, what difference is another year going to make?
“It gives me more time to improve my swimming skills. I have a fantastic team supporting me, which means postponing my programme by a year ought not to be a problem.”
Schoenmaker said the last few weeks were shrouded in mystery as the Covid-19 pandemic made its presence felt around the world. It cast doubts over the Games.
“The reality is that South Africa will go into lockdown. I am not sure if it would have been possible to continue to train.”
Schoenmaker said she was relieved that the “waiting game” was over and that swimmers could enjoy the benefit of extra time to prepare for next year’s Games.