At 15 years of age, Katie Horne was thrown into the deep end of international competition, but luckily this golden girl can swim!
Now, three years later, the 18-year-old matric learner at Framesby High in Gqeberha is a familiar face representing South Africa at international level.
“I am incredibly grateful to wear the green and gold. Every time I put on the team tracksuit, I remember to make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given,” she describes the feeling of representing her country.
When she was 15, Katie had the distinction of being Team SA’s first gold medallist in the pool at the Region 5 Games in Malawi. Horne easily won the 200m freestyle.
Earlier this month, she competed at the Africa Aquatics junior championship in Egypt, returning with one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
“It was a trip I won’t easily forget. The competition was a wonderful experience and I am satisfied with my results. The SA team made the tour special,” Katie said.
Competing internationally means a lot of sacrifices, many hours of training, travelling and trying to keep up with her schoolwork.
Katie explains she has mixed emotions about this. “I really enjoy touring. Not everyone gets the chance to travel the world like this.
“I had to learn how to balance schoolwork with my swimming. I’ve learned that when I’m at a competition, it’s better not to try to do schoolwork too.
“It’s better to focus on one task at a time and give my best during the time I have for each.”
It might be winter now, but that won’t stop Katie from getting in the pool early in the morning when it’s cold and dark, and most of her schoolmates are still fast asleep.
How does her busy training programme look?
“I have nine swim sessions per week; six of them are two hours long in the afternoon.
“The other three are an hour and a half in the mornings before school. I also have two gym sessions of about an hour each before school.”
So any time for a boyfriend?
“Definitely not! As for other activities, I belong to the photography club at Framesby and enjoy baking or doing arts and crafts at home.
“The small family moments when we get together for a braai are special to me. It helps me unwind.”
Katie says she developed a love for water from a young age.
“My mom and dad spent a lot of time with me in the pool at home. I also often played in the pool with my cousin, which made me feel comfortable in the water.”
She mentions Tatjana Smith and Amica de Jager as two of her role models.
“Both of them have overcome setbacks, and that inspires me to never give up and to keep striving toward my goals.
“I have big dreams for my swimming. I know that if I make the most of my training, I will reach my goals and eventually my dreams.”
