Three Maties coaches to Rio : 2016-08-03
On 9 August we celebrate National Women’s Day here in South Africa making August the perfect month to celebrate women all over our beautiful country, but especially here at the Maties Sport High Performance Unit of the Stellenbosch University.
Recently three coaches – Karin Hugo, Karin le Roux and Suzanne Ferreira – were selected to join Team South Africa at the Paralympic Games in Rio making this trio the perfect first in a series of articles on all the amazingly talented women doing their part the Maties Sport High Performance programme.
Karin Hugo (swimming)
How many Paralympic Games have you been to?
This will be my third Paralympic Games. Athens 2004 was my first and I also went to London for the 2012 Games. I was involved with the South African women’s hockey team between 2005 and 2010.
Have you ever been to Rio?
Yes, I have been to Rio three times and to Sao Paolo (also Brazil) twice. I travelled to Rio in April this year when the facilities were tested. The swimming pool for the competition is very impressive and the swimmers are very satisfied with the quality of the pool.
How would you describe your daily routine at the Games?
We are very busy because we have heats in the morning and final rounds at night. We get up early in the morning and go to bed late. After lunch there is usually some time to relax before we leave for the pool again. If a swimmer does not compete every day they still train twice a day to retain the feel for the water. Swimming at the Paralympic Games is the longest swimming competition in the world and extends over eight days.
What are the expectations for Rio?
The 2016 SA Paralympic team is smaller than the team at the previous Games. The competition is getting tougher all the time and the athletes and coaches need to work exceptionally hard to perform. I expect the team to win quite a few medals but I hope that each individual achieves his or her personal best; be it a medal or not. What makes this team so special is that they support and spur each other on to greater heights.
How special is it to be part of the Games?
Despite this being my third Paralympic Games it still remains an unbelievable privilege to go again. It is an experience that many people dream of and work very hard for. I am privileged to be able go to Rio and want to thank everyone who makes this possible for me.
Karin le Roux (athletics)
How many Paralympic Games have you been to?
This is my second Paralympic Games.
Have you ever been to Rio?
I have never been to Rio, but I travelled to Brazil last year when my athletes participated in a competition in Sao Paulo.
How would you describe your daily routine at the Games?
The routine at the Games will differ from day to day. We usually just try to get used to everything during the first two days. We go and inspect the facilities so that I can make sure where the training locations are. I also test the transport to find out how long the bus ride takes. I compare the job of a coach at the Games to that of being a “sponge” – we “soak up” everything around the athlete that could possibly influence them. And in the process we try to create a perfect competition environment for the athlete to be able to perform optimally.
What are the expectations for Rio?
The Games are the highlight of a four-year cycle – the athlete has put in so many hours, weeks and months of hard work and have made so many sacrifices. It is always difficult to make predictions as far as medals go. What I am sure of, however, is that every athlete representing SA will give their absolute best.
How special is it to be part of the Games?
There aren’t words to describe the feeling when you hear that you have been selected as part of the team. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be part of it all and privileged to be able to experience everything with the athletes. It is an unbelievable honour and privilege.
Suzanne Ferreira (athletics)
How many Paralympic Games have you been before?
This will be my fourth Paralympic Games.
Have you ever been to Rio?
I have been to Sao Paulo, but never to Rio.
How would you describe your daily routine at the Games?
I don’t think there is something like a set routine at the Games. When the athletes compete they usually determine what course my day will take. I try to get up extra early in the morning so that I can spend some time on my own for a few minutes. How early will depend on when my athletes participate.
The athletes are usually very focused on the bus on the way to the track and I will mostly listen to music. At the warm-up track I support the athletes. See what they need, watch the time, maybe stretch. My athletes and I have the habit and need to spend a last second together before they have to report for their item, to relax and to hand it over to God … It is very special.
After the athlete has competed we warm down and return to the athletes’ village. If athletes compete again in the evening the process will repeat itself. Dinner on such double-session days is usually around 22:00. There is every chance that you will still have a conversation or three before you go to your room. Coaches and team managers never get more than five hours of sleep.
What are the expectations for Rio?
Expectations? I suppose it depends how you look at it and from what perspective. Personally I hope that the athletes will be prepared in body, soul and mind and be in a space where they can fulfil their full potential with joy. That they can appreciate the occasion for what it is. #RunFree. I believe that if they are in this space any achievement will be the cherry on the cake. Medals and times are wonderful results, but not what drive me as a coach.
How special is it to be part of the Games?
The Games only happen every four years and the journey that I have with each athlete in the four-year build up to this highlight is very special. It has always been a privilege for me to experience and be a part of the team spirit of our SA Paralympic team.