Wittstock back in the water

The queen of South African swimming, Charlene Wittstock, is back - and set on being the lady of the rings.

Wittstock, 27, has set her sights on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, and aims to go out at the top with a medal at the biggest event on the swimming calendar.

In an exclusive interview, Wittstock said says a variety of factors, not the least of which was a word of encouragement from Nelson Mandela, has spurred her return to the water, and Durban.

"Despite what many people think, I had never retired," says Wittstock, who has rejoined the Mr Price Seagulls club at their Lahee Park base as she prepares to race the 50m and 100m backstroke events.

"I had a shoulder injury and took an extended rest. I needed to put certain things in perspective, and went on holiday to London in January. While I was there I met Madiba and he inspired me and told me to make the full use of my potential. So, here I am, back and hungry for success.

"There is no better place to train than in Durban. All the while that I was away, I had kept in touch with Graham Hill, who I believe is the best coach in the world," she said of the man who recently was named South African coach of the year.

Wittstock has been training for only two weeks so far, but says things are going really well.

"I feel a lot stronger, not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. My dream has always been to win an Olympic medal and I have overcome a lot of hurdles and feel better for it.

"I believe I will be a lot stronger than I was two years ago. It's been fun to get back into the water again."

So, what's up first for Wittstock, and what about next year's Commonwealth Games?

"I'll be back in action at the Mr Price Seagulls Short-course gala at the end of the month, and it will be interesting to see how I go. My main focus is Beijing, so any meet I am selected for will be preparation for the Olympics," she says.

"I have put every non-swimming thing aside and am really motivated and focused. I have been in contact with Ryk (Neethling) and Roland (Schoeman) and they have been hugely supportive."

The Benoni-born bombshell has always been one of the glamour girls of sport - not just in South Africa, but on the international swimming circuit too - and during the course of the interval there are regular interruptions from junior swimmers who come up to say hello. Wittstock has a personal word of encouragement for each of them.

"I hope I can be a good role model for them and give them something to aspire to. There are not too many senior female swimmers around for the younger ones to look up to."

As a winner of many world cup races on four continents, Wittstock's profile in the swimming community is already high. Olympic glory and a gold medal would truly make her the lady of the rings.

n In another boost for the sport, and Hill's reputation as a coach who is attracting the best swimmers in the world, Robin Francis arrived from England yesterday to join up with the Seagulls squad.

The Daily News has lined up an exclusive interview with this medley star of whom great things are expected.