This season has been incredible, both for the team and for me personally, as I’ve made significant improvements since my first year.
My proudest moment was our victory at the annual Harvard-Yale-Princeton meet on January 31–February 1. It was the first time in 10 years that Princeton had defeated Harvard, making it a historic milestone for our team.
Being part of that achievement and contributing to such a memorable win was an amazing experience.
Adjusting to life in the U.S. has been a huge shift—everything is completely different. I miss the vibrant mix of cultures, foods, and people in South Africa, and the weather was a major shock. Going from Durban’s mild climate to freezing, dark New Jersey winters took some getting used to! Being far from home and missing family traditions has also been tough, but I’ve adapted by staying connected with loved ones, finding a strong community at Princeton, and embracing new experiences.
Looking ahead, my focus is on maintaining a strong GPA while continuing to explore career options—likely in finance or actuarial science after gaining experience through internships.
On the swimming front, I was excited to return to South Africa in March for the SA National Open Water Championships, where I aimed to qualify for the national team again. Competing back home is always special, and this year was no exception. The event, held at Marina Martinique in Jeffreys Bay from 7-9 March, was an incredible experience. I competed in the 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km races—winning all three and securing my title as the SA Champion in each event for 2025! More importantly, these results qualified me for the World Championships in Singapore this July, which is a huge step toward my long-term athletic goals.
