The first episode of Potchefstroom Profiles on StroomStories, hosted by Cindy, introduced an inspiring young athlete—five-year-old Conrad de Kock and his mother Zoli. Conrad, alongside his family, took on the famous Midmar Mile, making him one of the youngest participants in the event. This episode delved into his journey, his love for sports, and the role his family played in this remarkable achievement.
A Family Adventure Turned Challenge
Initially, Conrad’s mother, Zoli, had no plans for the family to participate in the Midmar Mile. They originally traveled to KwaZulu-Natal to support a friend in the event. However, upon arrival, they decided to make it a full family experience.
Both Conrad and his sister were provided with swimming aids for safety, but they soon opted out of using them. They were under the impression that they would not receive medals if they used aids—although this was not an actual rule.
Their mother swam between them to ensure their safety, but both children completed the swim independently, showing incredible determination and courage.
Conrad’s Active Lifestyle and Training
Beyond swimming, Conrad is an active child who enjoys various sports, including rugby, gymnastics, and running. His ability to participate in the Midmar Mile stemmed from his dedicated swimming practice. He trains twice a week with Coach Franco at Aquazone, refining his skills and building endurance for such challenges.
His commitment to improvement is evident, as he already looks forward to participating again next year with a faster time through more dedicated practice.
A Healthy Family Lifestyle
Zoli emphasized that their family prioritizes an active and healthy lifestyle. She believes that children naturally enjoy being active when they see their parents leading by example. Their household follows a nutritious diet, ensuring that even lunchboxes are filled with healthy snacks, though occasional treats are allowed.
Conrad, for example, enjoys Coca-Cola as a special treat. Zoli's philosophy is that if parents live healthily, their children will be more inclined to do the same.
The Importance of Swimming Safety
As a swimming instructor, Zoli is passionate about pool safety, recognizing the risks of drowning, especially for young children. She highlighted a structured water safety program that provides children with a certificate once they master ten essential swimming rules.
Additionally, she is working on a project to raise funds for disadvantaged children, enabling them to receive swimming lessons despite financial or logistical challenges. She understands that while swimming lessons can be costly, having qualified instructors and a safe environment makes a significant difference.
Conrad’s Future Goals
Despite looking a little exhausted after the big event, Conrad expressed his enthusiasm for taking on the Midmar Mile again, this time with a goal to swim even faster. His determination, combined with his ongoing training, suggests that he is just getting started on his journey as a young athlete.
He even showcased a fun trick he can do with his eyes, adding to his charming personality.
Stay tunned
The first episode of Potchefstroom Profiles set an inspiring tone for the series by showcasing Conrad’s incredible achievement. His story is a testament to the power of family support, determination, and the importance of an active lifestyle.
For more heartwarming stories, be sure to tune in to the next episode.
Watch the Afrikaans version of Conrad’s interview by clicking on this link
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