What first interested the two of you in getting involved in such a rare sporting code in SA?
We did swimming and athletics separately for our school [at] A-team [level] and performed very well in both, so we then decided to combine the two sports and see where it [would lead] us.
How was the overall experience of competing in the USA?
We enjoyed Sarasota very much. The competition was also organised very well. Sarasota was very warm and humid, and it was very nice training there before competing. Everyone was very friendly and we would definitely visit the USA again.
What did you find most challenging about the new extended edition of the world championships?
The challenge was that we had to train further distances than normal. It was very hard because it challenges you mentally. When you want to stop, you have to keep on going and that drains you. You also get tired before entering the water for the swimming.
Being first-year students, how have you found your first year with TuksSport, and how do you feel they have helped contribute to your successes as athletes?
TuksSport made us feel welcome by including us in the USSA team. We got the opportunity to meet new people that have similar dreams to us; it really motivates you to train better and harder because you are doing it for a team. We are always excited to go train in the afternoon because of the people there. TuksSport have also provided us with the best facilities [for training].
Tell us more about your Twin Sport development initiative?
Twin Sports relate to us teaching and coaching swimming and tennis to young children. There is a market [for] such developments where we live.
Would you say that there is a healthy sibling rivalry between the two of you that keeps you going?
There is a rivalry but we don’t see each other as competition, but rather as a team. We motivate each other before and during training, and during races. We motivate and support each other because we always train together and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We can push each other and that puts us at an advantage. We are like permanent training partners.
What would you say is the key to being successful in such a challenging sport?
Planning. You need to balance the training and your academic obligations and so it is important to plan ahead. If you want to do this sport, you need to find a routine that works for you, [allowing] you to train, study and be social. But after planning comes hard work, dedication and discipline. You get those days that you feel tired and want to stop. When you feel emotionally, mentally and physically drained, that is when you need to change your mind-set.
After such great accomplishments at the world championships, what is next for the twins?
We are taking things slower than usual at the moment. In the upcoming months, we are going to focus on training for athletics due to the upcoming athletics season, and for next year, hopefully achieve the same performance as this year.
Image: TuksSport
