A dream come true

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Bryan Rosenbaum

At one point or another it was in the hearts of some of the young children to one day be that Olympic gold medalist.

But for one would-be Olympic competitor, UA junior swimmer Ryk Neethling, this was never the case.

"I grew up in South Africa," Neethling said. "And I couldn't watch TV because of Apartheid."

For 32 years, Neethling's country was out of any Olympic participation because of a United Nations ban against South Africa's racist regime.

"I had heard of the Olympics," he said. "But I knew it was impossible to ever be there.

"But I still always had the dream."

In 1996, the impossible became possible for Neethling. The Apartheid laws were changed for the better in South Africa in 1990, and Neethling swam the 1,500-yard freestyle and 400 free for the South African team, finishing fifth and 10th respectively at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

"As I grew up, I couldn't make the Olympics," he said. "And then when it became possible, it still seemed so far away.

"But it was an amazing experience. I didn't think of it as much at the time because I was focusing on the races. But now, looking back, I know I learned a lot about swim and myself and I am reminded how fortunate I am to have been an 18-year-old in the Olympic finals."

Still young and having fulfilled his childhood dream already, Neethling has had to come up with a new goal for himself.

"I want an Olympic gold medal," he said. "And right now it's not too far off. I am third in the world in the 1,500.

"The Olympics at once seemed impossible, so hopefully this will happen, too."

Neethling added that he would like to swim in two more Olympic games, before swimming professionally and then eventually settling into his career.

For now, though, Neethling tops the charts at the college level, returning home to Tucson from the NCAA Championships over the weekend in Indianapolis as the NCAA Swimmer of the Year, with three individual titles.

"I am really happy with how I did," said Neethling of his three victories for the second year in a row in the 200 free (1 minute, 33.59 seconds), 500 free (4:13.8) and 1,650 free (14:35.57). "It was a big accomplishment."

Despite his accomplishments, Neethling still would have liked more.

"I'm disappointed with the times, but I can't dwell on that," he said. "I am excited for next year to improve myself."

Prior to the 1998-99 season, Neethling set out personal goals for himself to repeat in those events, as well as break an NCAA record.

"I missed out on that," he said. "It wasn't something I did wrong, just a bad race. I wasn't on that night. Some nights you're on, some nights you're not....(I'm ready for) next year."

Neethling is, however, only the eighth swimmer to record three victories in two consecutive NCAA meets. He has captured seven titles in his collegiate career so far.

"I try to be hard on myself and expect more with each race," he said. "That way I can still get excited for each accomplishment. I never want to say 'what else is left?'"

His work ethic hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates.

"His dedication rubs off on people," junior Rob Henikman said. "He's a really good leader and sets the stage for us."

UA head coach Frank Busch also commented on his leadership role, while also adding that this was the first time in his 10 years of coaching that he saw the team elect a sophomore as a captain, as the Wildcats did last year with Neethling.

"Someone who is pretty good in a sport is usually labeled a leader based on his performance," Busch said. "But with Neethling the leadership and talent are both extraordinary."

Neethling began his career at UA after completing high school in Bloemfontein, South Africa, where he was the first person in South Africa to earn provincial colors for 12 years. He also holds the national high school record in the 400 free and state records in the 100, 200 and 400 free.

"The mile is his event," Henikman said. "He tries to be a sprinter, and the 200 is fun to watch, but he excels in the mile. The longer the event, the better."

Neethling chose the UA, after his first choice - Michigan - fell through, based on brochures and word of mouth alone.

"I never took a trip to Arizona," he said. "I just saw pictures and it seemed cool based on its swimming, they had a good long distance program, and what I heard.

"It was a good choice."

Neethling is majoring in psychology, and might eventually settle in a sports psychology career, he said. But before then, he will continue to swim and he will return home to South Africa to take care of a few things.

"Home is a completely different place and I miss the typical South African things," Neethling said, recalling his life on the farm in the country back home. "I want to be able to put back into the community. I would like to work my swimming past into work in politics, maybe.

"I just want to help and make a difference, that it is what is needed."

Neethling will be heading back to South Africa Friday to compete in the South Africa Nationals, and until then will enjoy the rest of the week spending time with his family which made its first trip out here to see him, he said.

As far as the rest of the year goes, Neethling will continue to train.

"Ryk will be preparing for the Olympics," Busch said. "So his focus will be there, so chances are good that he will repeat this year's performance once again."

If Neethling does repeat his performance, he will be the first swimmer to have a three-time three-peat, Busch said.