Waddell qualified for the men’s 50m freestyle during the South African swimming championships held in Durban recently.

The 19-year-old, who is currently studying at the University of Alabama in the USA, told OFM Sport that swimming for one of the top colleges has definitely improved his swimming.

“In terms of how America has helped in my swimming – coming from the facilities we have in South Africa and then going to the USA where they have a collegiate swimming system with proper gyms, free indoor facilities and access to a nutrition team and medical staff – that overall access helps to put you in a position to achieve what you want to achieve.”

The Grey College old boy who is more renowned for his backstroke added that he would like to qualify for more events, but is more than content to compete in just the 50m freestyle.

“I’m very happy with the events that I have qualified in. I’m starting to specialise a little bit more in the freestyle now and moving away from the backstroke. 

"I’m working with Jonty Skinner in Alabama and we’re basically focusing on my freestyle; the power of the stroke and to just be the best that I can be. 

"I’m happy with the event I’ve qualified for so far. Extra events would be nice, but I'm totally content with the 50 freestyle qualification time."

The 2017 Fina world championships in Budapest, Hungary, takes place from 14 to 30 July 2017.

South African senior qualifiers: Cameron van der Burgh (100m breaststroke – 59.73), Chad le Clos (200m freestyle – 1:46.84, 200m butterfly – 1:55.00, 100m butterfly – 51.29), Myles Brown (200m freestyle – 1:47.55), Tatjana Schoenmaker (200m breaststroke – 2:25.23), Brad Tandy (50m freestyle 21.97), Zane Waddell (50m freestyle – 22.41), Douglas Erasmus (50m freestyle – 22.39), Brent Szurdoki (1500m freestyle – 15.11.22).

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport