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Cape Town - Olympic gold medallist Cameron van der Burgh says South Africa's female swimmers are not willing to sacrifice enough in order to reach the top of their sport.
Van der Burgh made headlines last year when he won gold in the men's 100m breaststroke at the London Olympics, touching the wall in a world record time of 58.46.
Speaking to Die Burger, Van der Burgh said women are reluctant to give up four, six or eight years of their lives - and that's why they don't reach the top.
"They're not prepared to make sacrifices. That includes their physical condition (broad shoulders and muscles), because they don't want to look like men," he said.
"But that's only the case for a few years of your life. You only have this talent for a few years. For example, I know I won't have a social life for the next four years, but hey, I'm currently living an unbelievable life.
"I cherish the talent I have, but women do not. They're not prepared to do what is necessary to become the best in the world. It's as simple as that."
The 24-year-old admitted he has achieved his goals in the sport, but wants to stay as consistent as possible.
"I'm already in the history books. Now it's only about performing as well as I can for the next four years."
His next assignment is in July at the FINA World Championships in Barcelona.
Van der Burgh made headlines last year when he won gold in the men's 100m breaststroke at the London Olympics, touching the wall in a world record time of 58.46.
Speaking to Die Burger, Van der Burgh said women are reluctant to give up four, six or eight years of their lives - and that's why they don't reach the top.
"They're not prepared to make sacrifices. That includes their physical condition (broad shoulders and muscles), because they don't want to look like men," he said.
"But that's only the case for a few years of your life. You only have this talent for a few years. For example, I know I won't have a social life for the next four years, but hey, I'm currently living an unbelievable life.
"I cherish the talent I have, but women do not. They're not prepared to do what is necessary to become the best in the world. It's as simple as that."
The 24-year-old admitted he has achieved his goals in the sport, but wants to stay as consistent as possible.
"I'm already in the history books. Now it's only about performing as well as I can for the next four years."
His next assignment is in July at the FINA World Championships in Barcelona.
