Zalika Methula has finally caught a break in her diving career after the pandemic got in the way of her debut; she is one of the most promising athletes of the year!
Gauteng, South Africa (22 February 2023) – Zalika Methula has dreamed of representing South Africa for years now but the pandemic got in her way. Thankfully, she pushed through the travel bans and career-stalling events by focusing on her training with coach Danilo Cogrossi. Her efforts are finally paying off!
Zalika started diving at the age of nine, specialising in springboard diving and synchro. She is able to dive from both the 1-meter board and the 3-meter, a height that gives most jelly legs.
She was set to be the first junior diver and black female South African to qualify for the FINA Diving World Junior Championship in over a decade. Her dream was so close to reality and then the new variant in 2021 caused a travel ban for South Africans and she had to cancel her trip to the championship in Ukraine. Winnie, Zalika’s mother, had managed to fully fund the trip thanks to a successful crowdfund on BackaBuddy.
Now, with all the travel bans and regulations set aside, Zalika has been able to really build up her sporting career. This month she was named the “Most Promising Athlete of the Year” at the Gauteng Sports Awards.
The Gauteng Sports Awards is hosted by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation to recognise and honour the province’s sports stars for their efforts in local and international sports events and for keeping the passion of sport alive in the hearts of South Africans.
Swimming South Africa shared the happy news of Zalika’s win on social media and fans have been so proud of her.
The future is looking brighter for sporting events in the country and internationally; as a promising athlete, we have no doubt, Zalika will be there to raise the South African flag. Watch this space, South Africa!
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