Stirling’s MacDonell off to Fina world champs in Serbia Waterpolo star represents SA at senior competion in Budapest

GOING SWIMMINGLY: Local wonder Tumi MacDonell, centre, is representing SA at the Fina Youth womens championships in Serbia, East Europe Picture: SUPPLIED

TAMMY FRAY

Three weeks ago Tumi MacDonell made her international debut representing SA at the Fina Senior Waterpolo women’s championships in Budapest and the tournament had barely concluded before she was whisked away to prepare for the Fina Junior womens waterpolo championships set to run from July 31 to August 8 in Serbia.

MacDonell, of Stirling High School, has had a huge sporting career this year after representing both her school and country in a number of water sports codes and as a member of the SA women’s waterpolo side, where she was among the youngest in the team.

She says, “I was a bit nervous about competing against some of the best in the world. However, my team was very supportive and helped me to raise my game to an international standard. The experience has taught me how much commitment and dedication is needed to compete at this level.”

She says it will be a welcome change to play against those closer in age and experience to her, although she hopes the intensity and the technical skill level is on a par with the senior division.

MacDonell says spending so much time away from home is a challenge. “However, since this is something I enjoy, I can’t complain. My family and friends are always motivating and encouraging me. I’m definitely grateful for my parents for giving me the opportunity to attend these tournaments.”

Though she is understandably exhausted after competing abroad for over a month now, MacDonell says she is grateful for the opportunity to represent her country and encourages those with similar sporting aspirations to “always work hard and don’t give up. To succeed you have to enjoy what you are doing so it is important to have fun to stay motivated”.