Gemma Spies (10) from Kariega recently competed in the 41st Freda Barnard Gala in George and broke the SA record for 50-metre freestyle in the age group 10 and under. The record (29.75 seconds) stood for 20 years before she swam the distance in 29.12 seconds.
Apart from this record, Gemma also won the (10 and under) 100m backstroke, 200m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 200 IM (Individual Medley, must swim one length of each stroke butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle) and received bronze for 50m breaststroke.
“I love swimming because I love water and the flow of it. Freestyle is my favourite style and then comes backstroke,” said Gemma Spies, who trains an hour a day for five days a week, all year around.
She is a member of the Infinity Swimming Academy in Gqeberha, and her coaches are Samantha Barton, Deshaan Pillay and head coach is David Glover.
“I started swimming at the age of three, with Leanne du Preez here in Uitenhage (Kariega). I swam for the school’s A team from Grade 1 and started swimming competitively when I was nine years old.
“I have loved to be in the water since I was a baby. My love for swimming comes from my mom (Sharoy Spies) who used to be a good swimmer as well. My dad (Barend Spies) was more the athletics, running type.”
Gemma said her idols are swimmers Chad Le Clos, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Lara van Niekerk, Myra Viduyar and Liam Vehbi.
“My coaches make me love the sport even more and my ultimate goal is to make it into the Olympics team. I want to travel all over the world, doing what I love most, swimming. Also, to meet people and make new friends.”
Gemma lives in Kariega but attends Herbert Hurd Primary School in Gqeberha. She has her district colours in swimming and swims for Nelson Mandela Bay Aquatics (NMBA) in the inter-district gala between Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Even though she swims all year around, Gemma also enjoys playing hockey in the winter season.
She competed last Saturday in the Eastern Cape Aquatics short courses in Makhanda, but her next big event is the NMBA Championships in December.
Gemma Spies (10) with all the medals she won at the 41st Freda Barnard Gala in George.
An emotional Gemma Spies and her coach, Samantha Barton, after she broke the 50-metre freestyle SA record.
