Rebecca Meder

Tell us about your earliest swimming memory?

My earliest swimming memory is probably competing at this little league gala called TRIAQ. I swam ten events and won gold in every single race. After that gala, I asked my dad (driving back from George) whether the Olympic Games were the same as the rugby world cup – meaning every four years. I worked out that I wanted to work towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games (I was 9). I landed up calling it my 2020 VISION. This was the start of my long but beautiful swimming journey at the gym and watching my sister train. I wanted to swim too!

Why is swimming such a special sport?

Swimming is an incredible sport! Not only does it exercise every muscle and help with your fitness tremendously, but it has taught me so much. The life skills I have learnt from this sport are something quite special. From a young age, I have learnt time management and what it means to sacrifice things to achieve what you are aiming for. I have learnt discipline, integrity, courage, confidence and hard work! It has taught me that nothing you achieve in life comes without working hard. I am naturally a competitive person, so that was the easy quality to carry through into my sport, but I have learnt how to be a TRUE competitor. One who is courageous and bold but still respects their competitors. One who is humble in victory and gracious in defeat. This sport has shown me character qualities I probably would have never known I had, had I not started.

Which of your achievements are you the proudest of and why?

Today I get to call myself an Olympian. The dream I had envisioned when I was nine years old became a reality last year. I was invited to race at the 2020 Olympic Games (after missing the qualifying time by 0.3sec in the 200IM). This is the achievement I am the proudest of. Not only because I got to compete at The Olympic Games, but because of the journey I walked to get there. Everything I sacrificed, every difficult time I went through, every challenge I faced and every moment I hit a low. Every tear I cried. This is what I will remember most. The journey wasn’t easy. Before I got selected to go, I hit the lowest I have ever been. I wasn’t on the team. But God came through for me! God had a different plan. Swimming at The Olympic Games is a memory and an achievement I will hold in my heart forever. Another swimming achievement I am proud of was winning 11 Gold medals in the 11 events I swum at the Senior African Champs in Ghana last year.

How do you stay motivated throughout the season?

Staying motivated can be extremely difficult. I set myself little goals along the way. Having stepping-stones to get to your Big Dream is much easier to handle than trying to take one massive leap to the end destination. Remember, it should be fun! You will face some tough trials ahead, but that is part of life. Choose joy and have fun in everything that you are doing. You need to love what you are doing. Don’t compare yourself to anybody else – it steals your joy! Remember - a happy swimmer is a fast swimmer!

What are your goals for the year ahead?

My eyes are set on trying to go to Commonwealth Games. If this is part of God’s plan and I make it, I want to be competitive on this stage. I also want to start racing more competitively on the world stage, so hopefully, travelling and training and racing a bit more (i.e. World Cups etc.)

What do you do to prepare for a race?

I train extremely hard to achieve what I achieve. But when it comes to race day, I try and stay relaxed and calm. After all, the hard work would have been done. I need to go to battle. I listen to some Christian music before I race and say a prayer before diving in. I physically put on my armour of God too. I get fully equipped for the battle ahead.

Apart from swimming, what do you do for fun?

I love nature. I recently built a greenhouse with my boyfriend and my dad. I collect orchids and exotic, funky plants. I also love frogging, birding and going to Game Reserves when I have some free time (not very often, haha). I have a pet Savannah Monitor Lizard called Stevie, two crazy Boston terriers and two beautiful cats. I love spending time with them. I enjoy painting, and I also enjoy chilling and watching some series. I try and fit this all in with my studies as well.

Why are you excited to be a part of the Speedo family?

I have been with the Speedo family for eight years and to be part of the team for another year is just so incredibly special. I am humbled and incredibly grateful for all that Speedo has helped me with during my journey. I honestly wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have achieved without their constant support and ongoing help. I get to race and train in the BEST every time I enter the water. I love Speedo, and I am Speedo proud through and through.