That's how I row: Lotus River boy earns 3 medals at SA event
|Published
PRIDE: With ouma Winnie Williams, 57 PRIDE: With ouma Winnie Williams, 57
This Lotus River boy took up the sport of rowing less than a year ago but is already rocking the boat at a national level.
Caz Williams took part in the South African Junior Schools Row Competition in Pretoria last week where he won three medals.
The 13-year-old took up rowing in June and is now his team’s coxswain - the helmsman responsible for steering the boat, and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers.
The Grade 8 Zeekoevlei High School pupil joined the Grassy Park Rowing Club, whose team of 23 scooped a total of 29 medals.
CHAMPIONS: Caz is part of Grassy Park Rowing Club which won 23 medals
Caz’s proud grandmother and caregiver, Winnie Williams, 57, says she was surprised to see him take to rowing like a fish to water.
“I’ve been looking after Caz since he was born. His parents are currently living on the streets in Wynberg,” the ouma explains.
“I know he started rowing in June, and to me he was just investing too much time in this.”
Little did she know he was turning into a champion rower and was shocked when he was invited to Pretoria.
“I was at a loss for words. I didn’t need to pay a cent, the club paid for it all. He received a kit with his bag, shorts, sweaters with his name on as well.
“Those coaches and the board really went above and beyond. They have changed Caz’s outlook on life,” Winnie adds.
PRIDE: With ouma Winnie Williams, 57
Coach Duncan Hager says Caz has changed a lot.
“In the beginning Caz couldn’t really focus, now he has lots more discipline and is more focused and sociable. We’re not just a team, but a family.
“Now we’re getting ready for our next big event, the South African National Championships which are set to take place in May,” Duncan says.
A shy Caz says he practises every day and the team trains at the Zeekoevlei dam under the auspices of the Zeekoevlei Yacht Club.
THIS IS HOW I ROW: Caz Williams practises at the Zeekoevlei Yacht Club
“I start at 4am, till before school and then again from 4pm to 7pm.
“I love rowing and my medals I received were for cox in quad, rowing in quad and rowing in double,” Caz says.
He is even getting other laaities to join in on the fun, saying: “I am already recruiting girls and boys in the area to join our club.
“One day, I am going to be an Olympic rower,” he vows.