We use our own and third-party cookies to personalize content and to analyze web traffic.
Read more about cookies
Hometown
Cape TownActivity
Breaststroke, Butterfly and IMSpeedo Ambassador - Francois Bester
Francois is a South African swimmer from Cape Town. He competes in breaststroke, butterfly and IM events.
Tell us about your earliest swimming memory.
When I was ten years old, I swam my second meet at Fairmont High School. It was the first time I ever swam the 200m IM, and I finished so far behind everyone else that the parents applauded me when I finished.
Why is swimming such a special sport?
It is the sport that I like the most. When it is a hot day, and everyone else does not want to go to their sports practice, I know that I will enjoy my practice because I do swimming.
Which of your achievements are you the proudest of and why?
Achieving my first SANJ time when I was 12 years old at SA schools and being able to go to SA short course. I dropped my 100m Breast under 1:10. I swam a Senior National time for my breast even though the times for seniors were adjusted two months later. Being selected as a Speedo ambassador.
How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
I tell myself what times I want to swim and what I would like to qualify for. I would compare myself with my competition to see how far I am from beating them.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
To go to SA short course again. I want to try and get my long course 100m breast under 1:09, my 200m breast under 2:30, and my 200m IM under 2:20. I also want to work hard and see if I can qualify for Senior Nationals for 200m breast or 200m IM at the end of the season.
What do you do to prepare for a race?
I go to bed early the night before the race. I usually eat an omelette for breakfast. At the pool, I warm-up, and I practice my starts and turns. I put on my racing suit and listen to my favourite hard rock songs until I have to report for my event. This calms my nerves and gets me race-ready.
Apart from swimming, what do you do for fun?
I play video games on my PC with my friends, or I spend time socialising or playing the guitar.
Why are you excited to be a part of the Speedo family?
I feel proud to represent the Speedo brand by wearing their equipment at training and galas. It makes me feel that I stand out from all the other swimmers that wear other brands. I find Speedo's training equipment appealing. Speedo's Speeds socket two goggles fit me perfectly. My Idol Adam Peaty recently joined Team Speedo, as well – I might have influenced him slightly.