Hendricks' balancing act between academics and competition

When we last last spoke to Nathan Hendricks in March 2025, he was already an established Paralympian who had competed in four Paralympic finals at the Paris 2024 Games.

Now, the South African star has been selected for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, whilst he navigates a new challenge facing his career.

The 20-year-old from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, swims for Tuks and has begun his studies at the university this year. “I’m studying BSC Physics now, which takes quite a bit of time. I am enjoying it, but it has brought me the challenge of balancing my swimming with my academics and I have had to rework when I train in a day,” said Hendricks.

His degree is not the only factor influencing his training adjustments. Hendricks falls in the S13 category for para-sport. The joy-filled swimmer explained his visual impairment in his interview last year, “I cannot see through tunnel vision. I can only see through my peripherals. It is called Stargardt disease, and it causes my vision to degenerate.”

This year, Hendricks said that he has remained in the S13 category after his reclassification, however, his category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games will only have the 50m and 100m freestyle, rather than his more comfortable middle-distance races.

“I have had to put a lot more training into sprinting and have gone more into speed work. I must say it has been quite an adjustment for me, but I am very happy with my times, and I am feeling good for Glasgow.”

Hendricks has achieved incredible feats in these early years of his career and was asked about his experience swimming and developing within SASAPD. “I remember a gala I swam with SASAPD and it was so much fun. What has stuck with me is interacting with athletes from the different codes. I met loads of incredible people with amazing life stories. It was inspiring watching those athletes thrive in their sport and see them do well.”

The humble Paralympian ended off by sharing his goals for the Commonwealth Games and beyond, “I would like to make the finals at the games, but I have not heard who else will be there competing and so I don't know who I will be racing. My focus is going to be on trying to better myself. I find this is better for me and helps with my performances.”

Hendricks went on to say with a slight chuckle, “I’ve got exams two weeks after I return from Glasgow, so that might be more stressful than the swimming!”

Despite the training adjustments and the challenge of balancing school and the pool, Hendricks is continuing to excel. The young Paralympian will be one to follow in Glasgow, and in the many years to come.

Photo: ROGER SEDRES