By Adnaan Mohamed, Son

Durban - Cape Town swimming sensation Chanelle van Wyk made history at the Telkom South African National swimming championships when she became the first black South African to break a senior African long course record and also win three gold medals.

The 19-year old from Wynberg in the Cape, won her second national title of the meet on Thursday when she lowered the Olympic gold medallist from Zimbabwe, Kirsty Coventry’s, African record in the 50 meters backstroke. 

Her time of 28.55 seconds beat Coventry’s 28.86. With this performance van Wyk booked her ticket for the Fina World Championships which takes place in Rome in June.

On Wednesday evening she won gold in the 50-freestyle in 25.96 and on Friday evening she also took honours in die 100-butterfly in 59.54.  She beat three times Olympian Mandy Loots (30) who was second in 59.83.

“I can’t believe it, it still hasn’t sunk in, but I’m obviously extremely happy with my performance,” said an ecstatic Van Wyk after she swam the race of her life.

The talented swimmer, who grew up on the Cape Flats, attended Wynberg Girls High where her talent was spotted at an early age at the interschool galas.

At the age of 15 she was sent to the High Performance Centre in Pretoria to hone her swimming skills. There she received specialist swimming coaching and was also able to rub shoulders with all the top sporting personalities in South Africa. 

“The three years I spent in Pretoria was a wonderful experience. I learnt a great deal. An experienced swimmer like Ryk Neethling gave me invaluable advice. My time there also taught me to become more independent,” explained Van Wyk.

Van Wyk decided to move back to Cape Town a year ago where she joined up with experienced Hungarian coach, Karoly von Toros, at the Vineyard swimming club based at the Sports Science Institute in Newlands.

“Even though I miss Pretoria a lot, it’s great to be back in my parent’s home in Cape Town. I have worked hard this past year and am now reaping the rewards,” she added.

According to Von Toros, who previously successfully coached black swimmers like  Zaida Jardine and Raziek Nordien, there is no limit to what Van Wyk can still achieve.

 “We worked very hard on her speed and power. She brought down her weight from 69 kg to 62kg. It has obviously made a huge difference. Beside her being very talented, she is a pretty girl, has a bubbly personality and is very marketable. With these qualities, I think she is going to be the new face of South African swimming,” Von Toros said proudly.