Harris selected for national swim squad

ZULULANDER Quinton Harris, of the Fish Eagle Swimming Club, has been selected for the South African squad, having qualified to participate at the Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championships from 6 to 10 August, in Pasadena, California.

Swimming South Africa has informed Quinton that this is a self-funded tour and the current estimated cost for each team member, will be approximately R50 000.

Harris made waves in the swimming pool during the South African short course championships in Pietermaritzburg last year by bagging three gold and three silver medals whilst setting four new SA records in his six events.

Quinton competed in the S4 category for the 50m and 100m freestyle events as well as the 50m and 100m backstroke events. He then went onto compete in the SB3 category for the 50m and 100m breaststroke events.

Harris trains under coach Claire Swan three hours a day, four times a week at the Virgin Active swimming pool during winter time and at the Empangeni Municipal pool in summer.

He also gyms at home for a hour-and-a-half every day. He then goes to Margie Mason for body stress relief for a hour once a week.

‘Putting in the hard yards and following a strict diet is all part of being a champion,’ says Ryan Vermaak (manager and close friend).

‘That’s exactly what Quinton does and that’s why he is so successful.

‘We would like to appeal to the community to reach out and assist us in making Quinton’s tour a reality,’ said Vermaak.

For more information on how to help, contact Lynn at treasurer@fisheagles.co.za.