Young Port Elizabeth swimmer Paige Brombacher is making big waves in swimming circles following a promising performance at the SA National Short Course Championships in Durban at the weekend.
The 15-year-old, competing against much older swimmers, finished a credible fourth in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke in Durban.
Three months ago the Collegiate Girls High pupil smashed the SA age-group record for the 200m breaststroke at the Junior National Championships.
Now she is chasing her dream to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Originally from Pietermaritzburg, the grade 9 pupil moved to Port Elizabeth three months ago and said it was the best move she had made for her career.
“My mom had me swimming when I was a baby because my brother nearly drowned,” she said.
“One day I was watching the Olympics and I decided I wanted to be one of those girls wearing those costumes.
“The next month I got into the pool and the passion ignited, I fell in love with the sport.
“Now I am focusing on my tour to Eindhoven in Holland for the World Cup Short Course.”
Coach David Glover believes Brombacher will make the 2020 Olympic SA team.
“In the 200m breaststroke event she is only 4½ seconds off the qualifying time,” he said.
“If in the next two years she improves then I actually see her reaching her dream.”