SA Paralympic star contemplates life away from competitive swimming after Dubai offer
21 September 2016
Three-time Paralympic Games swimming medalist Kevin Paul will be shifting focus after claiming gold in Rio recently.
After winning three medals in three Paralympic Games‚ Paul has agreed to take up a sports administration and swimming coaching job in Dubai.
“I’ve now been to three Paralympic Games‚ it’s been a long haul. I’m very happy and fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way‚” the decorated swimmer told Times Media Digital.
“I have another opportunity now in the United Arab Emirates. I will be moving to Dubai where I have been offered a job there.
“It’s great that I will still be involved with swimming and sport‚ and will still have the opportunity to train and compete. I am looking forward to the future.
"I am going to be working at a place called Fit Republik‚ it will involve swimming coaching‚ administration.”
The Port Elizabeth-born swimming star shot to fame when he claimed gold as a 17-year-old at the 2008 Games in Beijing in the 100m breaststroke‚ an event he has dominated since.
In 2012 he returned with silver from the London Games before reclaiming his crown in Brazil and earning Team SA’s first gold medal at this year’s event.
Does this mean it is the end of the road for the former Grey High School pupil in terms of representing South Africa at international events?
Paul has not yet made a decision on whether the Rio Games were his last as an athlete.
While the 25-year-old - who has been based in Durban under the mentorship of revered swimming coach Graham Hill since completing his schooling seven years ago - will be working in Dubai‚ he will also have an opportunity to continue with his training.
He revealed that he will only make a final decision on whether to continue swimming competitively if he feels that he can still compete at a top level.
“I won’t count it out‚” Paul said.
“Four years is a very long time to keep yourself motivated. I will have the opportunity to continue to train there (Dubai)‚ so I will see how the training goes.
“As a proud South African I don’t want to wear the green and gold when I don’t feel like I am at peak performance.
"If I feel I can still make the country proud‚ then I will again put that green cap on.
"If I feel I am not‚ then it will be time to step aside and let the youngsters come through.”
Following his Paralympic medals and numerous world championship titles‚ Paul is regarded as one of the top 100m breaststroke swimmers and has earned himself legendary status.
What legacy would he like to leave in the sport?
“Medals and performances are one thing‚ but I think I have learnt so many life lessons through all these travels‚ performances and competitions‚” Paul said.
“One thing I always believe is that your name is the first gift you receive in life and also the last thing people will remember when you pass one day.
"I just want people to remember my name in a good way‚ not necessarily as the gold medallist‚ but rather to leave an imprint and legacy in a way to make the most of what you’ve got.
"Stop complaining because there are people with much less than you out there.”
Meet The Coaches
22 January 2017
Kevin Paul has more than 20 years swimming experience from around the World. He has a huge impact on his swimmers as his story is not only impressive but also inspiring.
Kevin is a Paralympic Gold and Silver Medalist, and also current World Champion and Record Holder! He is a personal trainer and coaches our squads and teaches adult classes.</p>
BR Performance Studios Makes Waves at Saudi Arabia’s First Kids Swim Competition
October 2024 –Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – BR Performance Studios, proudly announces the participation of its first group of young swimmers in a local competition. This exciting milestone marks a significant achievement for both the children and their families, many of whom experienced their first-ever race. BR’s swim program based in Nun Academy, in collaboration with its sister company Nujoom, is making great strides in grassroots development, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete and grow, both in sport and in life.
Led by Head Coach Walid Sami, BR’s swim program is not only about training future Olympians but also about providing a platform for kids to learn valuable life skills through sport. Within just a few months of its establishment in KSA, BR has already fostered a strong group of young swimmers who are actively competing.
“Our goal is to provide these kids with opportunities that will set them up for life, whether in sport or their future careers,” said Abdallah Alireza, Managing Partner at BR Performance Studios. “We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to continuing to nurture young talent in the region.”
Sister company Nujoom, co-founded by Jeddah resident and celebrated South African Paralympic medallist Kevin Paul, empowers the next generation by providing world-class extracurricular programs for schools in Saudi Arabia. The company also manages school sports facility hire services to generate income and upskills teaching staff to deliver high-quality sports programs.
Kevin Paul is a decorated South African Paralympic swimmer, winning gold medals at the 2008 Beijing and 2016 Rio Paralympics, as well as a silver medal at the 2012 London Games. Now based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Kevin leads Nujoom, a pioneering school sports and facilities management company that is transforming youth sports in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Through Nujoom, Kevin is dedicated to empowering the next generation with world-class sports programs and inclusive activities for all the community, like Jeddah Social Swim, a community group fostering engagement in aquatic sports. Kevin’s mission centres on building lasting opportunities for sports participation.
