My name is Rebecca Meder, but I’m mostly known as Becky. I am 21 years old. I was born in Cape Town, South Africa. I started swimming at the age of 8 and I was coached by Bianca Marais. I ironically hated water and only put my face in the water by myself for the first time when I was 6. I started swimming because my older sister, Abigail, started swimming. I did everything she did! She is one of my role models. I moved to Durban, South Africa, four and a half years ago. I started swimming with Graham Hill.
I have represented South Africa in numerous Junior and Senior international competitions.
I represented SA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
My best achievements so far would be:
Finishing 4th in the 200IM at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Finishing 10th in the 200IM at the 2023 World Championship in Japan
Finishing 6th in the 100IM at the 2022 World Short Course Championships in Melbourne
Finishing 10th in the 200IM at the 2022 World Short Course Championships in Melbourne
I am also a multiple African and South African record holder.
I am currently working extremely hard for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. With my recent results in Japan, I am looking forward to being even faster next year in Paris. My goal is to make a final and then once in that final….see what I can do.
The only advice I’d give to others is that you have to dream BIG SCARY DREAMS and then not be afraid to go after them and attack them!
You also need to have fun while doing this sport. Otherwise, it just isn’t worth it!
Favourite stroke: being a medley swimmer I have no choice but to like them all
Favourite food: I love chocolate! I have a super sweet tooth.
Best swimming memory:
When I was 9 years old, I won 10 gold medals in all 10 races I swum. It was on that day (12 April 2012) that I decided I wanted to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.
My recent achievement in Japan at the World champs is probably one of my greatest achievements so it also holds a very special place in my heart.
Quote:
“I am BRAVE. I am STRONG. I am FEARLESS. And I am never alone.”
“Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.”
