Swimming lessons at the age of three to initially become water safe alongside friends turned into a lifelong passion for Keira van Heerden (17), who recently walked away with nine medals at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships.
The teenager represented South Africa at the prestigious RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Swansea, Wales, from July 11 to July 13.
Her mother, Hanlie, shared how Keira set multiple new South African records, in the Senior Women’s division, during three days of intense competition, which pushed team South Africa to an overall second place in the team standings.
“Sport has given Keira the opportunity to explore the world. Despite the demands of training and travel, she is currently completing her matric year with full commitment to her academics,” she said.
Keira, who is a matric learner at Pearson High School in Summerstrand, was introduced to various sports from a young age, such as ballet, gymnastics, tumbling, trampoline, biathle, triathle, laser run, tetrathlon, fencing, biathlon, swimming and lifesaving.
“She has proudly represented Eastern Province in all of these sports and has broken numerous Eastern Province (EP) and South African records in athletics, biathlon, swimming and stillwater lifesaving,” her proud mother beamed.
The teenager has also represented South Africa internationally in biathle, triathle, laser run, surf lifesaving, stillwater lifesaving, and swimming.
She holds the South African U19 Girls’ Biathlon Record and is also a talented 400m runner, having been coached by Leonardo de Villiers and Jessi Kahn.
However, due to the demands of her swimming commitments, she has stepped away from athletics to focus on her primary sport.
“Hardworking and humble, Keira makes daily sacrifices — often giving up social events to focus on her training, recovery, and studies,” Hanlie shared.
With plans to further her education in the United States in 2026, Keira will continue her swimming career with the dream of one day representing Team South Africa at the 2032 Olympic Games.
“She also hopes to stay involved in lifesaving and give back to the sports that have shaped her journey,” said Hanlie.
Training and participating in sport is no easy feat; it takes dedication and support to succeed.
“Keira follows a demanding schedule that includes eight swimming sessions and two gym sessions per week, adding up to approximately 13 hours of swimming time,” Hanlie shared.
Her training programme is structured and monitored by her coaches at Infinity Swimming Academy, under the leadership of Head Coach David Glover.
“All training and competition plans are strategically aligned with the national swimming calendar to ensure that Keira peaks at the right time and continues to progress toward her long-term performance goals.”
As parents, seeing their daughter excel in sport has been a rewarding journey, Hanlie added.
“Watching Keira grow and succeed in sport has been an emotional and rewarding journey. From early mornings and long training days to competing at national and international levels, every moment has been worth it.”
However, the journey hasn’t always been easy with highs and lows and various sacrifices along the way.
“Keira has had to make difficult decisions, often saying no to parties, sleepovers and social events to prioritise training, recovery, and academics. Balancing her schoolwork, sport, friendships and family life has taken remarkable maturity and commitment,” Hanie shared.
“Her achievements reflect her strong work ethic and character. As parents, we are incredibly proud—not only of what she has achieved, but of who she is becoming.”
According to Hanlie, Keira’s faith gives her the strength to achieve anything she sets her mind and heart on.
“Keira has a personal relationship with the Lord and firmly believes that her talents are a gift from him,” said Hanlie. “This faith not only guides her in competition but also keeps her grounded through the challenges and sacrifices of high-performance sport.”
Keira draws daily inspiration from her favourite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
The teenager is also a member of the Summerstrand Surf Lifesaving Club, where she gives back to the community through voluntary lifesaving duties.
Highlights of Keira’s performance at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships:
Day 1:
• Bronze – 200m Obstacle (New South African Record
• Silver – Mixed National Pool Lifesaver Relay
Day 2:
• Gold – 100m Manikin Carry (New SA Record + New Commonwealth Record – pending ratification)
• Silver – 50m Manikin Carry (New SA Record)
• Silver – 100m Manikin Carry Team (New SA Record)
Day 3:
• Silver – 100m Medley (New SA Record)
• Gold – Female National 200m Medley Team Relay (New SA Record)
