The Sunday Mail
CIARA SOPER is used to living under the weight of expectations.
The 17-year-old is touted as the next big thing in rowing and the Chisipite High School student is determined not to let those who believe in her down.
“I feel as if I deal with the expectations well,” she said.
“I like to row, I like to achieve things for myself and my country. My coach and I communicate well and work as we push towards the goals we set.” Soper is under the tutelage of respected coach Kristine Johnson.
Next up on her agenda is the South African Schools Rowing Championships at Roodeplaat Dam in Pretoria from March 3-5. The 2016 Junior Sportswoman of the Year nominee heads down south on the back of an impressive outing at the National Under 19 Championships.
“I am ready and can’t wait,” said Soper.
“I am competing in the biggest schools regatta in Africa in my single scull, double scull and quad.
I am (also) working towards being selected for the Junior World Championships in Trakai, Lithuania in August and in between these regattas I will attend local regattas at Mazowe Dam.” Such is her determination to succeed that Soper makes times for training before classes start.
“I train on a rowing machine at my school before classes start three times a week and starting at five o’clock,” said Soper.
“I attend three-hourly gym sessions a week at the gym for core strength and muscle building. There is also time for water sessions. These water sessions will increase in numbers before a major regatta like the Junior World championships because they are so important.
“With all my training I find it easier to balance school work, all the free time I have is entirely dedicated to my school work.” Soper lightens up when she starts talking about the World Junior Championships.
The Zimbabwean rowing starlet made her debut at the world showcase last year and wants to have a go at it again this year.
“The regatta was the biggest I have ever attended with over 1200 athletes competing so the experience I gained will help my confidence for the future.
“The girls I raced against were tough competition but I was determined to perform at the best of my ability and it paid off. “Hopefully this year I will perform better than I did last year,” she said.The love for rowing is rubbing off on the Soper family.
“My younger sister Erin does rowing and my mom is starting to get into it, which is very exciting, while my dad is my biggest supporter,” revealed Ciara
