After a lengthy coronavirus-enforced break, Madibaz swimming stars Alard and Alaric Basson were thrilled to return to the pool in the Western Cape last week.
Madibaz swimming twins Alard and Alaric Basson have resumed training in earnest in preparation for the national Olympic trials. Photo: Supplied
The Nelson Mandela University construction management students took part in a national training camp and Grand Prix gala in Stellenbosch which had them finding their feet after lockdown.
The events proved a valuable gauge of their conditioning and the twins are rejuvenated for the challenges ahead.
For Alard, it was great to be back in the water despite the pain his body went through.
“I personally haven’t raced in over a year so this was a fantastic opportunity to put in the hard work and to put my body through the intensity that it needs.”
He said his main goal was to make full use of the training block.
“This saw my body taking quite a knock, but I stood up and raced under those circumstances, still managing to win my main race (100m butterfly).
“I am not completely happy with the result, but I got what I wanted from the week and in that regard I am satisfied.”
Alaric said it was something he needed to found out his stamina in the water.
“The training environment and the fact that there were no distractions really helped me to improve quickly – physically and mentally.”
He added that it almost felt “foreign” to be back in the pool for the Grand Prix.
“It was as if you were kind of lost in the way to approach and execute certain races.
“But, after actually racing, it immediately felt like that memory came back and it gave me a good idea of where I am and what I need to work on.”
Both swimmers are now focusing on the national Olympic trials, even though there remains some uncertainty that the Tokyo Games will go ahead in July and August.
Alard acknowledged the challenges of the situation but said his focus was on controlling what he could.
“In terms of my preparation, it is quite a mental rollercoaster, but I am just aiming at giving myself the best opportunity to reach my goal by putting in the extra hours in the gym, working on specifics at training and oiling the mind to execute what I want to achieve.”
Alaric said although the current situation was “a bit difficult”, lockdown had taught him valuable lessons.
“I would say it is probably more enjoyable for me now because of the setbacks.
“I think this whole pandemic just opened a lot of eyes and really emphasised the fact that the dreams we chase are merely personal goals that ultimately are not the be-all and end-all of our lives.”
Having said that, he acknowledged he still had goals to achieve.
“The priority for me is just to train well and do what I can to be the best I can be, and then take it as it comes without any regrets.”