Meet Chad Ho
Chad Ho is a South African swimmer, who specialises in open water marathons. Educated at Westville Boys' High School, he is considered one of the fastest professional open water swimmers in the world, having won the overall series title at the 2010 FINA World Cup. He is also currently a seven-time titleholder for the Midmar Mile, a swimming race held annually in February at the Midmar Dam (north of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa).
Because of his outstanding achievement in the World Cup, and his commitment to the sport, Ho was nominated as 2010 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.
Chad has competed in two Olympics. In 2015, Ho won gold in the 2015 World Aquatics Championships men's 5km open water swim.
"Never lose your Chinese traditions & culture no matter where in the world you reside." ~ Chad Ho
Read more about why Chad is proud to be Chinese and proud to be South African.
Name: Chad Ho
Occupation: Professional Athlete
1. Where were you born?
Johannesburg, Gauteng
2. What school/college/university did you attend?
I moved to Durban when I was 5 years old and don't remember much previously to High School. I went to Westville Boys High from Grades 8 to Matric, I focused on swimming upon leaving school and only pursued studying in 2013, I am currently still studying and doing a B.Ed in intermediate and senior phase.
3. What is your fondest childhood memory, growing up as a Chinese child?
Most definitely Chinese New Year - the food surrounding the event is always amazing and I was so taken by the dragon dancers. I also have to add my Ahma's cooking!
4. What is your favourite Chinese food?
Wonton Mein
5. Where do you live?
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
6. What work do you do?
I am a professional athlete, I spend most of my day (around 6 hours) training and studying from home.
7. What do you love about your job?
Its challenging which I love! I have also had the pleasure of travelling for swimming which has allowed me some unforgettable opportunities and a chance to see the world.
8. What is your proudest achievement?
Being able to partake in two Olympic's - 2008 and 2016. Beijing being my favourite!
9. Why are you proud to be South African?
We are a very diverse nation, there is so much to learn every day about different cultures and people.
10. Why are you proud to be Chinese?
I love the fact that I am multiracial, the Chinese have such a rich culture and of course AWESOME food! I cannot wait to teach the traditions of the Chinese to my daughter!
11. Name one Chinese tradition that you’d like future generations to continue with?
Our family member's go by their Chinese names (i.e. Ahma, Pah-Pah (for my Nice), Ayi etc.) which I hope to never lose no matter how diluted the Chinese gene gets amoungst our family. I would also want to learn more about cooking the Chinese cuisine myself & passing that down, I miss my Ahma's cooking so much!
12. What advice would you give to the Chinese youth today in South Africa?
To never lose their Chinese traditions and culture no matter where in the world they reside.
13. You are a great swimmer and have made South Africa proud. What inspires you to race?
Its the thrill of not knowing what the outcome is going to be! Open water swimming is such an unpredictable sport. To see how far I have come in my training makes a race that much better too!
13. What advice would you give to young athletes?
Persistence is key, training to be an athlete is not easy and it does not just "come" to you no matter how good you are! You need to stick through the tough times to get to the good times!
Want to contact Chad?
I can be direct messaged on my personal Facebook (@Chad Ho), Facebook fan page (@Chad Ho Page), Instagram (@chadho1), Twitter (@swima_chadho) or email: chadhoswimmer@gmail.com
