09-08-2025
Durban North athletes makes a splash in Namibia
DURBAN North resident Indiana de Villiers put in an exceptional performance at the recent African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia, winning 10 medals (four gold and six silvers).
This was the Grade 12 Our Lady of Fatima learner's first international gala.
De Villiers' efforts helped push the country's medal tally up to 144 which included 65 golds for SA athletes across various sporting codes.
Speaking on her performance in the pool, the 18-year-old said she felt an enormous sense of pride wearing the green and gold.
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'Before the competition I was content with making the finals as I didn't really know what to expect as it was my first international gala. My first event at the games was the 50m butterfly which is my favourite event. I think winning that and achieving a personal best settled my nerves.
'After the race I thought 'maybe I can actually do really well here'. I'm really happy with my performances, aside from the 50m butterfly I also achieved other personal best (PB) times which I was ecstatic about. The best part for me was representing your country and standing on the podium listening to our national anthem, I just got goosebumps,' she said.
In all, her four gold medals were won in the 50m butterfly, the 4×100 freestyle relay, the 4×100 medley relay gold and the 4×100 mixed relay freestyle.
De Villiers, who is a member of Aqua Athletes Durban, is coached by Tracey Hemphill, who also happened to be one of the Team SA coaches at the event.
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'I really enjoyed having her there with me. She gave me good peace of mind and helped me with the mental aspect of the competition. I was a bit nervous to race in such a big gala but Tracey helped me so much. It was special to share the moment with my coach,' she said.
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