Christiaan van Eeden (17)

If it wasn’t for a near-drowning when he was three years old, Christiaan van Eeden (17) might not have become a champion swimmer who is now on his way to competing in the world championships.
Christiaan, a Grade 11 student at The Mountain Cambridge School who lives in De Wildt, will leave for Australia next month to compete in the Lifesaving World Championships 2024 on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Christiaan swims with the Harties Reflections Swimming and Lifesaving Club. His clubmate Antonie Pieterse will also compete in the world championships.
According to his mother, Petro, Christiaan fell into a swimming pool when he was three years old and couldn’t get out as he surfaced under a plastic pool boat. His sister cried out for help and he was saved in time. “We realised he had to get good swimming lessons immediately and contacted well-known swimming coach Lynette van Rensburg. He had a terrible fear of water and Lynette literally spent the first days in the water with Christiaan on her hip. But once he was comfortable, there was no stopping him,” Petro said.
Christiaan does not remember this but knows swimming has been part of his life from his earliest memories. At the age of seven, he broke records during the North West swimming championships, and at age eight, added records at the South African Lifesaving Championships.
“Between the ages of 10 and 12, I had a growth spurt and I had a bit of a difficult time. I even thought about leaving the sport. However, my parents encouraged me to keep going and at 13, I seriously started swimming again. My rankings improved and I again broke records,” Christiaan said.
What inspires him is the challenge. “The challenge to win and improve my personal best is what drives me.” He is currently ranked second in the 200m backstroke age 17 category and was placed second in the SA Junior Championships.
His days are literally filled with school and swimming. In summer, practice starts at 05:00 in the morning and again after school. “I don’t have much time for anything else,” he said.
“I believe I am ready to do well in the world championships. I am going to do my utmost best. My big dream is to compete at the next Olympic Games. I am working hard towards that goal.”
Christiaan needs to raise funds for his trip to the Lifesaving World Championships and a fun event ‘Hiking to Down Under’ is being held at De Wildt Cheetah Lodge & Adventure Trails on 13 July. Hikers are invited to join the hike in the beautiful Magaliesberg. The cost is R200 and includes the hike, a delicious hamburger and drinks. Come enjoy a fun-filled day and help Christiaan get to Australia and realise his dream. Tickets are available on quicket.co.za and search for Hiking Down Under.