GEORGE NEWS - Local swimmer Robert Hendricks (18), a Grade 12 learner of Glenwood House, has been selected as one of the seven swimmers in the Western Cape to represent South Africa at the esteemed World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya, Israel. 

The championships take place from 6 to 10 September.

Robert is currently ranked second in the 17 years age group in South Africa in the 200m butterfly event. He showcased his talent earlier this year at the South African Championships where he competed in the open finals as a 17-year-old.

"He worked hard for this and we are extremely proud of him," said JP van der Merwe, his coach at Royal Swimming Academy where Robert practises his sport. "He is such a humble boy."

Since the news broke last week, club owner Mimette Salter received many calls from swim coaches all over the province, from Knysna to Cape Town.

"They are all so thrilled to have a swimmer from the Garden Route on the team for the world champs," she said.

Robert is known for his excellence in the 200m butterfly.

Robert is equally thrilled about his achievement, and said to Salter he will have to start sleeping at the pool now. Robert started swimming at Royal Swimming Academy when he was 11 years old. 

"Swimming is a solitary sport. Children push through for years and then one gets such an opportunity," said Salter. "It is very big for us as a swimming community."

Robert is known for his excellence in the 200m butterfly, but will only learn later in which categories he will participate at the event.

It will cost a total of R52 000 to take part in the championships, of which R20 000 needs to be paid before the end of June. Roberts' parents started a fundraiser for his participation on the online Back-a-Buddy platform. 

In addition, Royal Swimming Academy will host a few fundraisers themselves to help Robert's family with the costs.

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