Local pupil wins gold at Commonwealth

St John’s DSG matric pupil brings home the gold at the recent Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia, Samoa.

Scooping gold at the recent Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia, Samoa, young Pietermaritzburg swimming star Jamie Hannah Reynolds has set the stage for an internationally acclaimed swimming career.

Reynolds, 17, a matriculant at the prestigious St John’s Diocesan School for Girls, brought home the gold medal in the mixed 200 metres medley race. She went on to collect a bronze medal in the ladies 400 metres medley race and swam in the top eight finals of the 50 metres butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke races. Reynolds was placed fifth in the 400 and 800 metres free relay.

Her best result, however, was being placed fourth in the 50 metres breaststroke race.Swimming since she was eight but only competing two years later, Reynolds said she was grateful to the training she received from her coach Wayne Riddin and the Seals Swimming Club. Recalling her path to the Commonwealth Youth Games, Reynolds said she participated in the trials in April this year, only eight were chosen from South Africa and she was the only one from Pietermaritzburg.

“Although I was not fully prepared, it was an awesome experience for me and I definitely hope to do better the next time,” said Reynolds.

With her matric trial exams scheduled for the same day as she was due to leave for the Games, Reynolds said she had to double up – both on her training and studying – as she had to write her trial examinations before she left for the games on August 17.

“It was good for me to write my papers one after the other as I hate to procrastinate,” laughed Reynolds.

“I train for myself, simply because I enjoy it. I like working hard and I enjoy putting in the extra effort. Although I lack motivation sometimes, I always remind myself that it a hard sport at the end of the day. When I’m in the water it’s my time to day dream, my time to think.

My mood and performance always depends on the day that I’ve had,” said Reynolds. She also explained her future plans included studying business and swimming in America. “The facilities in America are more beneficial for swimming,” added Reynolds.

Focusing on the 2020 Olympics for now, Reynolds said it was a four year process of intense training.

St John’s sport’s co-ordinator Tracey Schwegmann said the school was extremely proud of Reynolds.

“We are very proud that one of our pupils has been chosen to represent the country. We, however, can’t take all the credit for her success. She has put in a lot of hours of hard work and training and has made a massive contribution to the school. We are very grateful to have her as a pupil. Her daily private training paid off and all we can do is wish her well for the future,” said Schwegmann.

Reynold’s internationally acclaimed swimming coach, Wayne Riddin, who trains her at the Pine Street swimming pool, also said her sacrifice and long hours paid off.Starting her day with an hour and a half long training session and then another two hour training session in the afternoon, Riddin said Reynolds showed much promise.

“Her selection for the games was done in her matric year and that itself was very difficult. It was challenging to prepare her and taking into consideration that the team was announced late. We were not left with much time. Nevertheless, Jamie deserved her victory and represented the team well.”

Her father Bryan described his daughter as a “star”.

“She has everyone supporting her. Jamie did excellently and all her hardwork, diligence and commitment that she put into her training paid off when SASCOC identified her,” he said. Describing Reynolds as an all-round athlete, her father said her build-up to winning gold came from participating in other international tournaments.

With the up-coming senior National Swimming Championships to be held in Durban in April next year, firmly in her sight, Reynolds said she was also looking forward to a break later this year.