Q & A with Chad Ho

Basic details: Full name, age, city and country of birth.

Ø Chad Ho

Ø 20 years old

Ø Durban

Ø South Africa

How many hours do you train per day currently and give us a very brief outline of when and where you train and what it entails?

I currently train 10 times a week, 5 mornings and 4 Afternoons with a session on a Saturday with each morning session being 2 hours and afternoons being 2 1/2 hours as well as Saturdays... I also do weight training every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for an hour. All my training is done at Kings Park swimming pool under Alistair Hatfield.

Do you have a routine before a competitive event? If so, briefly, what does this entail?

I wouldn't say I have a specific routine but there are a few things I like to do before a competition, like play Playstation3 when I can. It helps me relax and I like to relax as much as possible and be as lazy as I can be...

What pumps you up?

A few things are able to pump me up, when I have a bad race or a bad gala it motivates me to go back to training and train even harder so I can reach my goals and perform better or a when I have a really good training session it gets me all excited and makes me keep wanting to train.

What music do you listen to generally and if any, before a race?

Wherever I go I always have my iPod or phone with me so I’m constantly listening to music. I mainly listen to dance and house on the odd occasion pop but before a race its rap, hip hop and dance.

Do you follow a nutritional programme? If so what are the basics? Do you eat in the last three of four hours before a race and if so, what?

I’ve never really focused on my nutritional aspect but I have started recently with a high protein low carb program and cut out all sweets and sugar. During a competition I usually like to eat a big meal roughly 4 hours before it starts and have a light snack like fruit on my way to the venue.

Do you eat junk food, e.g. burgers, pies, French fries, chocolate?

I love junk food, but I generally stay away from junk food during the week. I like a home-cooked meal, I mean, who doesn't? On the weekends I may crave a juicy burger but I generally try and order the healthy options on the menu...

What’s your favourite Speedo product?

That’s a tough one, I can’t choose one product, I love them all!!

Are you single?

Unfortunately I’m not single... Sorry ladies...

What do you do when you’re not training?

When not training, I’m just a regular boy, I like to hang out with my mates at braais, and play Playstion3...

What are you other interests outside of swimming?

Outside of swimming, I’m a golf fan. Not many people know I can play, but I do like to play on the odd Sunday. I’m also secretly a Dj wannabe. I've always been fascinated with it and want to make my own remixes...

Who are your heroes and why?

Lance Armstrong has always been my boyhood hero and still is. Everything he did and accomplished after what he went through is amazing, and makes you strive to achieve your goals no matter how bad or low you feeling...

As a swimmer I have to say I admire both Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe, two of the world’s best swimmers ever...

What’s your most favourite place in the world?

I’ve been to many places and it’s always good to return home after a trip as nothing beats being home. But if I had to choose a place I would have to say Asia. I just feel at home there, but I guess that’s just the Chinese in me. The language could be a problem, so I better start learning...

What advice do you have for ordinary swimmers in general and aspiring champions in particular?

To all the up and coming swimmers: no dream is too big so aim high and reach for the stars. Stay focused, stay dedicated and mostly have fun...

Speedo Heritage

SPEEDO HISTORY

1910’s – The Origins
Speedo® originated in 1914 under the brand name ‘Fortitude’, which was taken from the motto on the clan MacRae crest. It didn’t become known by its now famous brand name until 1928.
The company was started by a young Scot called Alexander MacRae, who migrated to Australia in 1910, and set up an underwear manufacture business called MacRae Hosiery manufacturers.
In response to the growing beach culture in Australia, MacRae quickly expanded his operations to include swimwear and changed the company name to MacRae Knitting Mills.

1920’s – Creating a Classic
During the 1920′s the swimwear market grew rapidly, thanks to the acceptance of swimming as a sport and a more liberal attitude towards mixed bathing.

1928
MacRae introduced the classic, figure-hugging “Racerback” costume, which permitted greater freedom of movement, allowing wearers to swim faster. This inspired staff member Captain Parsons to coin the slogan ‘Speed on in your Speedos’ and the Speedo® name was born in 1928.

1929
By this year the first Speedo® swimsuits were being produced. The newly-named brand soon established itself in the hearts and minds of the swimmers and the general public, thanks in part to Swedish swimmer Arne Borg, who set a world record in Speedo® swimwear.

1930’s – Style and Performance
Swimwear fashions changed constantly throughout the 1930′s, and Speedo® products began to make the headlines for their style and performance.

1932
At the Los Angeles Olympic Games, Australian Claire Dennis took gold in the 200m breaststroke, but caused controversy in her Speedo® swimsuit that “showed too much shoulder”.
1936 Four years later, the 1936 Berlin Games saw an Australian men’s swim team all wearing Speedo®, including a daring, bare-chested swimming shorts design. Alexander McRae also formed strong links with the Surf Life Saving Association, which continues up to the current day.

1940’s – War and a 2-Piece
The Second World War saw the brand dedicate over 90% of its capacity to supplying vital equipment to the armed forces. After the war, Speedo® quickly re-established itself, even opening a new factory to cope with increased demand for swimsuits – spearheaded by the bikini. Two-piece swimsuits for women had first appeared just before the war, but were not yet commonly regarded as decent – in fact, the Speedo® bikini was banned by Australian beach inspectors! Speedo® continued to dominate competitive swimming, with an increasing number of athletes choosing to endorse the Speedo® brand.

1950’s – Shore to Shore Expansion

1951
The foundations for expansion were laid in 1951 when Speedo Knitting Mills (Holdings) Ltd was incorporated and became a publicly traded company on the Sydney Stock exchange.


1956
At the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, Speedo’s® sponsorship of the entire Australian team transformed Speedo® into a world famous brand when the team swept the board with 8 gold medals.


1959
Speedo® began exporting to the USA in 1959, and formed a new International Division to monitor the New Zealand, Japanese and South African markets. Speedo® also moved into Europe, buying a 30% share of Robert Shaw and Company Ltd. in Nottingham, England.

1960’s – The Sky’s the Limit
The global growth of the brand continued during the 1960s. The Speedo (Europe) subsidiary was established in London, England, and Speedo® swimwear manufacture and distribution licenses were granted to corporations in Japan and South Africa

1968
The Mexico Olympics of 1968 saw some brilliant performances, with 27 of the 29 gold medallists wearing Speedo® suits. In addition, 22 out of the 23 world records set at the Games went to swimmers wearing Speedo®.

1970’s – Ripple Effect
Speedo® is the first company to start producing swimwear made of nylon/elastane – which is still the most popular swimwear fabric today.
Meanwhile, Speedo’s® international presence expanded significantly. New ventures were launched in Eastern Europe, Brazil and Mexico, while the Japanese licensing deal was renewed, and Speedo Canada was established.

1972
At the Munich Olympics, a staggering 21 out of the 22 world records were broken by swimmers wearing Speedo®. 52 out of the 58 nations competing in the pool were wearing Speedo®.


1976
Speedo® was also the official swimwear licensee for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where 52 out of 54 countries wore their swimsuits.

1980’s – Faster than the Wave
A historic agreement is signed between China and Speedo®, providing the Chinese team with training and equipment, allowing them to return to Olympic competition after an absence of 40 years.
Companies in Belgium, the Netherlands, Iceland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland are all licensed to have Speedo® products manufactured and distributed. By now, the Speedo® trademark is protected in 112 countries. Breaking new ground again, Speedo® became the first ever official sponsor of the Australian Institute of Sport.

1990’s – On the Shoulders of Giants
Speedo International Ltd. The Pentland Group also took ownership of Speedo® in this decade.



1992 
Speedo® launched S2000® 15% less drag than conventional swimwear fabric. At the Barcelona Olympics 53% of all swimming medals won were by swimmers competing in Speedo S2000®.


1994 
Speedo® launched Endurance®, the world’s first chlorine resistant fabric.


1996 
Speedo® launched AQUABLADE® 8% lower surface resistance than S2000. At the Atlanta Olympics 77% of all swimming medals won were worn by swimmers competing in Speedo AQUABLADE® swimsuits.

2000’s – Unleash Confidence
Speedo® kicked off the 21st century in style, launching the revolutionary FASTSKIN® swimsuit. Its award winning sharkskin-based design was eagerly received by swimmers like Grant Hackett, Michael Klim, Inge de Bruijn and Lenny Krayzelburg.


The 2000 Sydney Olympics saw 13 of the 15 World Records broken in the suit and 83% of medals won by swimmers.


2003 Speedo® celebrates its 75th birthday. Speedo commissions fashion designer Melissa Odabash to design a limited edition anniversary collection and is modelled on high profile names including Jerry Hall, Naomi Campbell and Yasmin Le Bon.


2004 
Speedo® launches FASTSKIN® FSII − an evolution of FAST-SKIN, which reduces passive drag by up to 4%. At the 2004 Athens Olympics Michael Phelps makes history in FASTSKIN® FSII by becoming the first ever swimmer to win 8 medals. More swimmers in Athens wore Speedo than all of the other brands put together. Speedo® joined forces with Amir Slama founder of Brazilian swimwear brand Rosa Cha to create a vibrant fashion collection.

2005 Speedo® launched a new collaboration with international fashion label Comme des Garcons.

2007
The legacy continued with the launch of Fastskin® FS-PRO − the fastest and most powerful lightweight suit on the market. 21 world records were broken within 6 months.

2008In its 80th year, Speedo® launched LZR Racer®, the most technically advanced swimsuit in the world.
The Beijing Olympics proved to be an unprecedented success for Speedo® and the LZR Racer®, with 92% of all of the medals won by athletes wearing the suit.
Speedo® sponsored athlete Michael Phelps was star of the Games with a record breaking 8 gold medals.

The Daily News of Open Water Swimming: Meet A Polar Bear On Canal Walk

The Daily News of Open Water Swimming: Meet A Polar Bear On Canal Walk: "Swimmers and fans of extraordinary endurance feats can meet environmental campaigner, explorer, author and swimming pioneer Lewis Pugh who ..."

Waves of Change

The Waves of Change Programme was recently launched by The Ripple Effect, which is a legacy program from The Speedo Straits of Gibraltar Swim Challenge.
After the inaugural Waves of Change Swim Series monthly swim in late October, the life skills and training school in Atlantis, on the Cape’s West Coast, was opened!
There were nine kids in the first intake who are set to go through a six month programme.
The Waves of Change program comprises two classes per week where swimming lessons and basic life skills are taught.
In addition, on the last Sunday of the month and in conjunction with Waves of Change Swim Series, the kids, along with their families go on outings and life skills courses in and around Cape Town.
The Programme was launched as part of a job creation project; it sees that all the funds raised from the entry fees of the Swim Series go towards paying for the kids to attend life skills lessons. The programme also empowers coaches as they invest in their training and coaching accreditations in association with Speedo SA.
The Waves of Change aims to address the radical number of children who drown in South Africa every year as well as engage with poverty alleviation through job creation and mentorships.
The Waves of Change Swim Series takes place on the last Sunday of every month and is hosted at Big Bay.
Entry is R40 and there are two courses available: a 600m surf swim for those new to adventure swimming or for those who just want to get fit in time for the next triathlon, and a 1 mile (1.6km) course for the more adventurous. We encourage all swimmers of all abilities, with wetsuits or without, to get involved. The swim is also perfect for those training for The Cadiz Freedom Swim or Ironman. Please invite your friends, swim squads, triathlon team mates and families to come and make a difference by simply doing what you love!

Speedo Swim Coaches Conference

The keynote speaker at the Speedo SA Swim Coaches Conference in Pretoria in October 2010 was Coach Clive Rushton, currently Head Coach of the Singapore Sports School, formerly performance director of New Zealand Swimming, Canadian British Columbia, Great Britain Swimming & Greece. Clive was the captain of Great Britain swimming team at the 1972 Olympic Games and won awards from the British Coaches association, Greek swimming federation in addition to being a world renowned coach educator and swimming specific scientific researcher. He personally coached swimmers to Olympic medals, European medals and Commonwealth Games success.

The aim of the conference was to update coaches on his latest training methodology published as: “The effect of Biomechanics on Physiology”. Rushton introduced a unique approach to coaching and monitoring training which has been dubbed “the ultimate cheat sheet” by some coaches.

The integration of technique and physiological adaptation is comprehensively covered in an understandable language that coaches can use as an additional skill in their everyday programme prescription and application. Specific attention is given to using stroke rate as prescription & monitoring tool.

For more info on the “ultimate cheat sheet”, click here

For more info on Rushton, click here

The Ripple Effect Speedo Straits of Gibraltar Swim Challenge 2010

Four Capetonians swam the gruelling 18km Straits of Gibraltar from Europe to Africa and proudly hoisted the SA flag after braving 3m swells, hectic sea currents and jelly fish stings in the one of the world's busiest straits.

Toni Enderli , Ryan Stramrood, Kieron Palframan and Nigel Cones this week celebrated the "roller coaster swim of their lives" safely back on shore in Cape Town. They recollected being given the 'all clear' for their swim the day after they arrived in Spain, despite relatively stormy weather. And they laughed at the 'in hindsight' realization that the day they swam was probably the worst of the weather during their weeklong stay and their swim might have been easier any other day but the one the officials chose.

The four are part of a non-profit organization called The Ripple Effect which aims to create positive change by creating opportunities to 'make a difference by doing what you love'. The Speedo Straits of Gibraltar Swim Challenge is their first international swimming event.

Simon Borchert, founder of The Ripple Effect, says they team swam the Strait to fund the Waves of Change program, a sustainable swim school and life skills initiative. The programme will be run by The Ripple Effect and is supported by Speedo, Big Bay Events and hosted at The Big bay Surf Lifesaving Club

In the wake of their swim, disadvantaged kids in the West Coast's Atlantis area will learn swimming and life skills and be trained as lifeguards for the very under resourced Life Saving Station at Silverstroom, on the coast bordering Atlantis.

Toni Enderli who co-founded The Ripple Effect with Borchert last year says the swim was his toughest to date.

"We set off ready for the challenge expecting to wait in Tarifa in Spain for the weather to conditions to be perfect before we took on the ocean between Tarifa and Morocco in Africa.

"The 18km distance is equal to almost three times the times the distance swum between Robben Island and Blouberg. Very few people in the world have swum across the Strait, only 10% of the number of people who have summated Mount Everest.

"We needed special permission and were at the mercy of the officials who had to give us the green light depending on the weather and other factors. We were shocked when we got the green light the day after we arrived without having much time to psych ourselves up over a few days as we had originally anticipated.

"The officials felt the weather was good for the swim and we set off despite overcast and rainy conditions with huge swells and heavy winds. I suffered cramping throughout the swim and ended up slowing the other guys down a lot. With about 5km to and just off the coast of Morocco I nearly gave up. But with huge emotional and physical pressure, ended up battling my way through the swell and I cant
tell you how incredible it felt when we got to the end. The worst part
was really swimming against the current which increases dramatically with the tides and the sea was not at all the mild Mediterranean we were looking forward to!

"But there were smiles all around when we realized we had made it. We hoisted the SA flag on the boat which took us back to the harbour - having swum across to end on a very rocky shore. And we had a few days to recover and celebrate our feat. What a great feeling," he said with a broad smile.

Ryan Stramrood, an English Channel veteran and the only South African to have completed the Straits of Gibraltar swim twice, said, "Attempting the mighty Gibraltar Strait crossing for a second time was a fantastic and humbling experience. And lessons were learned. It once again reminds one just how important the strength of mind and its conditioning is in this sport of Open Water Distance swimming. Although the conditions in the beginning were challenging, most of the swim was in good confditions, I learned again that any ocean swim has a mind of its own and it will throw all it has at you, especially if you dare underestimate it".

It also proved an epic swim for Palframan, who said of the swim, ?We were blessed with encounters of many fish, dolphins, whales, as well as ships making this swim even more interesting. I remember lying on my back, feeding, in the middle of the Mediterranean Ocean and being in awe of where I was & this amazing experience. We were well supported by The Gibraltar Strait Swimming Association and their crew. Speedo did well to equip us to conquer our challenge?

A special facebook site has been set up for those interested in joining other Ripple Effect events and to follow the swimmer's progress as well as to sign up to add your skills to the Waves of Change
initiatives or donate funds or time. Find out more at www.therippleeffect.org.za.

For further information please contact Simon Borchert on simon@therippleeffect.org.za or on 082 999 3330.

"Speedo believed in me" - Natalie Du Toit

SA swimming sensation Natalie du Toit has praised her sponsor, Speedo, for believing in her when her career had yet to take off.

She has also credited Speedo’s new, high-performance swimsuit for helping her achieve three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Du Toit said she wore exclusively Speedo swimwear and in particular, the new LZR Racer Elite -- the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created.

“The Speedo suit is the most comfortable fit at the moment for me…I have never swum in any other brand but Speedo. They were my very first sponsor.

“They believed in me when no one else did and I have come to know and like their brand and swimwear for the fit and comfort.”

“Speedo at the moment has the best technology.”

Du Toit also praised her support team for their hard work, dedication and perseverance without which “I would never have achieved what I have today”.

Du Toit recently announced that this was her last Commonwealth Games. “I am sad but excited for what’s to come in two year’s time in London. I am going to try and qualify for the Olympic Games one more time in the 10km freestyle and definitely take part in the Paralympics (all seven events in my category)”.

Du Toit said she would be participating in all major competitions leading up to the qualification rounds for both the Olympics and Paralympics as well as in events within Gauteng and SA to qualify for the provincial and national teams”.

Team Speedo ranks in medals at COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2010

19th October: Speedo made waves at the Delhi Commonwealth Games with 34 of the 44 gold medals in swimming events awarded to athletes who competed in the Speedo LZR Racer Elite suit – amounting to an astonishing 77.3% of gold medal winners.

Highlights from the five day competition included Australian Team Speedo star Leisel Jones securing the most ever gold medals at a Commonwealth Games, claiming victory in the 100m Breaststroke, 200m Breaststroke and 4x100m Medley Relay. The three gold medal haul takes Jones’ total to 10, equalling the most golds won by a Commonwealth Games competitor. Her team mate Emily Seebohm also enjoyed an eventful week taking home an impressive eight medals in total, including a games record time of 59:79 as she took gold in the 100m Backstroke.

Newly signed Canadian athlete Ryan Cochrane picked up gold in the 400m before powering home in 15:01.49 to pick up a second gold in the 1500m Freestyle. Cochrane’s Speedo sponsored Canada teammate Brent Hayden was victorious in both the 50m and 100m Freestyle with Commonwealth Games record times of 22:01 and 47:98 respectively.

Team Speedo’s English representatives also enjoyed a successful Games, with teammates Liam Tancock and Rebecca Adlington taking four gold medals home in the 50m and 100m Backstroke and 400m and 800m Freestyle respectively. Adlington also broke the Commonwealth Games record in the 400m Freestyle with a time of 4:05.68.

Claiming a total of 102 of the 132 medals available, Team Speedo’s achievements at the Dr SP Mukherjee Aquatic complex were all the more remarkable after many swimmers were troubled by stomach upsets.

David Robinson, President of Speedo International, said: “We’re delighted with the success of Speedo’s athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. With over three quarters of gold medallists wearing the Speedo LZR Racer Elite, Speedo once again is the choice of champions. We look forward to seeing our athletes building on these successes on the world stage in Dubai this December”.

Team Speedo now looks towards its next challenge with the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) set to take place in Dubai from December 15th-19th 2010.

SPEEDO SA launches its first Concept Store in Cape Town

The first SPEEDO concept store to launch on the African continent has opened in Cape Town! The store is at Canal Walk, one of the city’s premier shopping centres. Swimming stars Natalie du Toit, Chad Ho and Herman Heerden were among the special guests at the opening on 18 November.

Canal Walk is home to 400 shops and restaurants, including a host of top ended branded stores, so it makes sense for the world’s swim lifestyle brand to make the centre its home too.

Manufacturers of the world’s best swimwear since the 1920’s, SPEEDO is synonymous with high-performance swim wear and supporting products for competitive swimmers, as well as everyday fashion-forward beach and poolside gear for non-competitive customers.

Not only is the local SPEEDO concept store be the first to launch in Africa, it will also be the prototype concept store across the globe. The store design is clean, fresh, eco-savvy and uncomplicated, with unique features like modular fitting-room ‘pods’ with strategically placed cut-out pockets in the doors to help facilitate a more convenient fitting experience. The store is divided into two main sections with a black colour scheme denoting performance gear and red colour denoting everyday swimwear and fashion items.

The store will be a one-stop swimming sports and leisure information hub. In-store assistants will be trained to advise customers on all aspects of serious swim training, from nutritional advice, to preparing for competitive swims.

The SPEEDO concept store will showcase the widest selection collection of SPEEDO swimwear and equipment available in Africa. Highlights of the range include key items like the iconic high-performance LZR Racer swimsuit, distinctive SPEEDO footwear, the range of SPEEDO swimwear that appears in the annual local Sports Illustrated swimwear edition, and the Aquabeat, the world’s first underwater MP3 player. To co-incide with the launch, world renowed 3D artist Manfred Stader is creating a unique artwork in Canal Walk's Centre Court which will be on display until 29 November 2010.