Herbert Rachuene
Talented swimmer Malesela Molepo (18) recently proved that his is a talent to be reckoned with when he won 13 medals during the Confederation of African Swimming Zone 3 and 4 Aquatics Championships held in Kenya last month.
Molepo, a Grade 12 learner at Hoër Tegniese Skool Tom Naudé, competed in the category for boys 17 years and over. He powered his way to gold in the 100 m backstroke before going on a rampage to win four silver medals in the 100, 200 freestyle and 500 m freestyle and 50 m breaststroke.He also won six gold medals in the 100 m backstroke, freestyle and breaststroke, the 200 m breaststroke, freestyle and individual medley. He wrapped up his career best championship, with three bronze medals in the 50 m butterfly, 4 x 50 m freestyle and 4 x 50 m medley events.
Like most swimmers Molepo’s passion for swimming took off at galas at primary school. He attended Pietersburg English Medium Primary School (Pemps) where he started winning major competitions in 2004.
After realising his potential he joined Progress Swimming Academy, under the mentorship of Douggie Eagar, where he was able to compete at the major swimming events.
"I remember my first bronze medal at the Winter Championships in Sasolburg in 2006. It felt good to start in that fashion," he said.
In 2007 he competed in the level 3 Championship in East London for under 18s and over but he did not win anything. Thereafter he tested his strength at the International Swimming Federation’s (Fina) World Swimming Championships in Durban where he came seventh.
His previous experiences seemed to have strengthened him and he has become a household name in swimming circles.
"Certainly there is a first time for everything and this beginning of greater things to come. With hard work I can achieve more than what I have already achieved," he says.
"I was actually aiming for 14 medals and I can assure you I will get more. My aim is to be part of the South African team for the 2012 London Olympic Games and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro," he explains.
He is grateful towards his team and Eagar for for backing him all the way. "My family and my team inspire me a lot. They play a pivotal role in my swimming career," he says.
Eagar says Molepo has a bright future ahead and he can be the best swimmer in the country and the world only if he wants to.
"I remember when he joined my club five years ago he was very young, but one could already see the glimpses of a good swimmer. He is in the top six of South African swimmers, hardworking and very focused," he says.