We catch up with South African junior swimmer Cameron K. Matthews to find out about how he got into swimming and what he hopes and dreams of achieving in the sport.
Cameron K. Matthews
Date of birth: October 4, 2000.
Birthplace: Tropical Island of Mauritius.
Nationality: South African and proud!
City of residence: Dubai.
Coach: Head Coach Hamilton – Ash Morris.
Favourite stroke: Breaststroke and Individual Medley.
PB in your best swimming event: 200m Breaststroke, 2.31.00.
Earliest swimming memory: Being told that I will never be a Breaststroke swimmer!
How did you initially get into swimming? Following in my brother’s footsteps.
Favourite swimmer: Cameron van der Burgh, the South African Olympic Breaststroke champion. He gave me his Dubai World Cup gold medal when I met him.
Inspiration/idol: Velimir Stjepanovic, who I have watched swim since he was 12 years old and his journey to the 2012 Olympics, which has inspired me to do the same.
Nicest venue you’ve ever swum in: Hamdan Sports Complex is without a doubt the best pool that I have swum in.
Career highlight or best achievement in the pool to date: Breaking South African national age group records, numerous gold medals at British and South African age group nationals. As a result I was selected for the South African junior national swimming squad.
Toughest swim meet you’ve ever been a part of: South African age group nationals 2014, competing in the races.
Biggest dream in swimming: To achieve nine gold medals at the Olympic Games.
Short term goals in swimming: To win seven gold medals in the British age group nationals in July 2014.
Favourite meal: Anything that my mum cooks – probably pasta.
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: Wherever my friends are.
Least favourite part of swimming practice: Having to re-start a swimming set.
Other sports or hobbies: Eating, athletics and water polo.
Coolest person you’ve ever met: That’s a tough one… between Chad le Clos and my coach Ash Morris.
Favourite sporting moment you’ve ever watched: Chad le Clos beating Michael Phelps in the 2012 Olympics in the 200m Butterfly finals.
