Bloemfontein – Aspiring swimmers in Bloemfontein were recently treated to a golden opportunity in the freezing Free State weather to meet, as well as be coached by one of the country’s favourite daughters in the pool.

Double Olympic gold medalist, Penny Heyns, was in town to coach what could be South Africa’s next crop of champions during a course presented by renowned swimming coach Simon Gray.

Heyns, who is the only swimmer in the history of the sport to win the Olympic double in the 100m and 200m breaststroke at a single games (Atlanta, 1996), shuffles her time between coaching and motivational speaking.

Apart from the youngsters taking part in the course, various teachers from Eunice Girls’ School also participated to help hone their skills in better equipping the aspiring champions.

Heyns told COURANT that her goal is to prepare the young swimmers mentally more than technically.

"My passion is to have more of a motivational or mental impact. It began with swimming being the vehicle to create an excuse to talk to the kids," Heyns admitted.

"The more I’m busy with it, the more I analyse strokes, the more passionate I become," said the 14-time world record breaker.

When it comes to talent in the South African pools, the fairly reserved Heyns had no problems sharing her views.

"I do think South Africans have talent. We don’t have the same luxury as other countries (the USA in particular), where swimmers have one dedicated coach. In South Africa coaches need to have numbers in order to make a living," said Heyns.

"When you have a pool full of swimmers you can’t spend time on the details and mechanics of the strokes. This is the swimming part of what I’m doing now, I believe if we get the basics right at a young age, the training part is not rocket science," she added.

"We’ve got to get the basics right in terms of technique and the mindset, it creates the right foundation, and from there we can work." 

"The Free State has a really strong legacy in terms of creating champions in swimming. When I grew up, the majority of the Springboks came from here. Motivation wise, I do think you guys have a challenge, it’s a lot colder here than any other part of the county, but I also believe, the more of a challenge, the stronger it makes the swimmer," she concluded.

The 39-year-old Heyns, who also claimed the bronze in the 100m breaststroke at 2000 Sydney Games, is still considered to be one of the greatest breaststroke swimmers, along with Australian great, Leisel Jones.