du PREEZ Ethan

General
HELPING HAND
With the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic resulting in major financial strain on his family, he received support from South African swimmer Chad le Clos, who accommodated him at his base in Durban, South Africa, and helped him both financially and with his training. In 2021 he took a year off his high school studies to focus on his swimming, keeping a positive approach despite his family's difficult circumstances. "My mother is doing her best to put food on the table for my brother and I. Some days are better and some are worse. As you grow closer to adulthood, you realise that these obstacles are the unfortunate part of life. When I was younger, little did I know. Swimming good times is not enough if you cannot get to the competition due to lack of funding. It's a frightening reality of our times. It's not easy, but staying positive is key. I have goals I want to achieve and work hard each and every day towards them." (iol.co.za, 23 Mar 2021)