From just being a parent at the poolside, one of the prominent Fiji Swimming coaches’ Rosemary Rova is truly an inspiration to be able to train her three daughters to be the top women swimmers in the country.

Not only Rosemary is the mother of three national swimming reps Cheyenne, Rosemarie and Adele but she is also the wife of current Fiji Swimming president Ben Rova.

The Levuka, Ovalau native is also the coach for the Nadi Barracuda Swimming Club.

Apart from swimming, Rosemary comes from a sporting background where she played hockey for Drifters, took part in athletics and netball.

The stunning 50-year-old mum shared her childhood experience and 12 years of dedication on the poolside as a coach helping her swimmers accomplish their goals.

“Before I became a coach, I was a parent on the poolside supporting my children in doing extra-curriculum activities,” she said.

“At primary level, I played netball and took part in athletics. In secondary school, I played hockey and that was my life before I settled down in marriage and having children.

“I’m the head coach of the Nadi Barracuda swimming club, the Mount Saint Mary’s Primary swim team and the Swami Vivekananda College swim team as well.

“I’ve been coaching club swimming for the past 12 years,” she added.

ROLE OF WOMEN

From left; Rosemary Rova with a friend and daughter, Cheyenne (far right).

Rosemary said being a head coach, she needs to write-up programmes for her swimmers and planning (periodisation plans) for upcoming events.

She also coaches on the pool deck which is something that keeps her occupied

Rosemary also believes a coach and swimmer have a unique relationship and should have the exact same goals in mind.

“Motivation comes from seeing the results the swimmers accomplish, the discipline they take with them in and out of the pool,” she added

“The achievements they accomplish throughout life. My passion is to see swimmers who come in with no knowledge about strokes and techniques (training as a whole) and to be able to help them become better and faster.

“Coach and swimmers should have the same goals in mind in becoming better athletes/coach in and out of the pool.

“For me, personally I would like to be a mentor to other women around my community. As an active woman in sports, I believe that women play a major role in sports just as they do in their homes.

“Whether it is a coach or a helper in sports, women normally give a 100 per cent.”

EXPERIENCE

“

Rosemary Rova with Taichi Vakasama

I was born and bred in Levuka, Ovalau and attended Marist Convent Primary School then secondary at Saint John’s College in Cawaci. I come from a family of six and I’m the youngest. I spent a one-year at Avonside Girls High School in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“In 1989, I went to Birmingham, United Kingdom for two years. I completed and attained a Diploma in Business Studies.”

“My mentor in life would be my mum. I am who I am today because of her. Life-changing experiences for me was when I left work in 2002 to take care of my family, husband Ben Rova and the children.

“And also help Mrs Ana Nagatalevu (then head coach for Barracuda) on the pool deck and to also support my children in other activities apart from swimming.

“The future looks better and brighter, with teaching or coaching swimming as a life skill, the awareness is there and you can only see this with the amount of interest there is in the sport itself.

“More and more children and adults alike are coming out to enjoy this sport.

“Next up for me as far as swimming is concerned is to defend our Short Course Age Group title next week in Suva.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj