Glenwood swimmer, Sarah McLaren, did her parents, her school, Durban Girls’ High, and her swimming club, Seagulls, proud when she achieved gold and silver medals at the 14th Cana African Junior Swimming and Open Water Championships in Accra, Ghana, during the week of 11 to 17 October.
The 17-year-old was recently featured in the Springfield Weekly Gazette, recently appealing to the community for assistance in reaching her goal at the championships. As one of the youngest competitors in the team, SA’s Sarah won a gold for the girls Under-17 four times in 200 metre freestyle relay and a bronze in the 200m individual medley and placed fifth in the 400m individual medley.
Durban Girls’ High congratulated McLaren on her achievement, adding that her dedication to swimming was an inspiration to young female swimmers. McLaren said she was proud to represent her country.
“I fought hard for my individual medal in the 200m and it has motivated me to work hard to qualify for the Junior World Olympics next year. Winning gold in the 200×4 relay was tough because I had to end the race and keep the lead, but I fought hard against older swimmers. I am just glad I managed to hold on and win it for my team,” she added.
McLaren thanked her parents for their support. “I’m also grateful for the support from my school as well and all the messages about my results. It was a great experience in tough conditions. Ghana has super hot temperatures, especially outdoors.”
