Kailey Joubert, a Grade 9 pupil at Curro Hillcrest, has been selected as the only swimmer from KwaZulu-Natal to join the South African Open Water Team.
The young athlete will compete at the Africa Aquatics Zone 4 Open Water Swimming Championships in Windhoek, Namibia, from December 4 to 8.
Kailey’s journey in swimming began at an early age. Recognising her passion, her parents enrolled her at Aquazone, where her talent flourished. Today, she trains under coach Angela Van Heerden in the Performance Gold Squad.
Kailey first made waves in open water swimming in 2020, at the age of 11, when she completed her inaugural Midmar Mile, swimming for CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa). “That was the moment her love for open water truly began,” said her mother, Kim.
This year, however, has been a test of Kailey’s resilience. Early in the year, she sprained her elbow, and in August, she underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in her left wrist. Despite these challenges, Kailey has worked tirelessly to recover and is now more determined than ever.
“She’s fought her way back and is incredibly excited to represent Hillcrest and South Africa,” said Kim.