For any athlete, acquiring sponsorship can be a tough task, and for a young sportswoman, it could prove harder. For up-and-coming swimming, Kylie de Bruyn managed to land a sponsor as she looks to excel in the pool.
2025 proved to be a standout year for the 16-year-old, who excelled, winning a silver and bronze medal at the All-Africa Games. She is currently ranked second in South Africa for National Juniors as well as second in Seniors SA Short Course 2025. Her success doesn’t stop there, as the Midstream College student is ranked second on the continent for the 800m freestyle.
With her performances, the Grade 10 pupil shared that she recently signed a deal with Neolife, which will be one of her new sponsors. This will aid her as she looks to fulfil her team’s goal of becoming a top senior swimmer for South Africa in the future.
Kylie, as a young athlete, how much does it mean to you to have secured sponsorship?
Having Neolife as my sponsor means a lot to me as a swimmer, and I am really grateful. Swimming takes a lot of consistency, discipline, hard work, and belief in yourself, and those are values Neolife really supports.
As a young female athlete, knowing I have that support gives me confidence to focus on my training and recovery, enjoy the process, and keep working towards my goals. It motivates me to keep pushing and to show other girls that they can believe in themselves too.
How does having a sponsor/s benefit young athletes?
Sponsors give young swimmers both support and belief, helping us stay confident and work hard. They also take away some pressure of training, travel, and competition costs, so swimmers can focus on their sport performance, recovery, and long-term growth.
What was the process like acquiring a sponsor?
It came from staying committed in the pool, being disciplined with training, and representing myself well as an athlete who values health and performance.
What is your advice to other young female athletes who are looking to secure sponsorship?
Trust your journey, stay consistent, and never stop believing in yourself, even on the hard days!
How did your swimming career begin?
I started swimming at three years old and fell in love with the sport, and what began as fun soon turned into competitive racing and a passion I wanted to pursue seriously. I started by swimming for my school and then moved to a club, which I currently swim with Tuks.
2025 was quite the year for you as you competed in several different events. You represented South Africa at the Youth Games and won two medals. You represented South Africa on a continental stage and also won a silver and bronze medal. You are now one of the top-ranked swimmers on the continent. How proud are you to have achieved that at such a young age?
I am incredibly proud! Getting to represent my Country, South Africa, at the African Youth Games in Angola in December, getting to compete on an International stage, placing 2nd in the 800 free and third in the 400IM and 1500, was a dream come true and a huge motivation for what’s ahead.
I also placed 2nd in the 1500 at the SA Short Course Champs in September and podiumed in all my events at SA National Juniors.
2025 was a very successful year for you. What are you hoping to achieve in 2026?
To keep improving my times, podium at SANJ and Seniors, and at SA Short Course as well as gain more international experience, and represent South Africa again while pushing closer to my long-term goals as well as qualify for Junior worlds in 2027.
As a young sportswoman, what are some of the valuable lessons swimming has taught you?
Discipline, resilience, and patience. It’s taught me to trust the process and believe in myself, even when things get tough.
What are your career aspirations?
To compete internationally at the highest level and proudly represent South Africa, while continuing my education and studies.
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Who are some of your female role models in sport and why?
Strong, confident women who lead by example, stay consistent, and show what’s possible through hard work and belief. Summer McIntosh is my biggest role model. She inspires me because of her work ethic, versatility across events, and how she competes with confidence and maturity at such a young age. Watching her shows me what’s possible when you stay focused, disciplined, and believe in yourself.
What is your advice do you have for young girls who are aspiring to be sportswomen like yourself?
Dream big, stay consistent, and believe in yourself. Your journey is your own, enjoy every step of it.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Competing internationally, representing South Africa, and inspiring the next generation of young athletes.
Your dad was a former cricketer and is now a coach. How has he helped you in terms of being a young sportswoman?
Growing up with a dad who is a coach has really shaped me. He’s taught me discipline, commitment, and how to stay mentally strong. He constantly motivates me to be better and reminds me that hard work pays off. He always supports me, and I really appreciate everything he does for me.
What is it about swimming that you love?
The challenge. Swimming pushes me mentally and physically and motivates me to be better every day. I love working hard and wanting to do better in every session and competition.
As a young sportswoman, what do you feel about gsport’s impact on women’s sport?
gsport gives women in sport a platform, visibility, and a voice, and inspires young girls to believe they belong in sport.
Main Photo Caption: After a stellar 2025, 16-year-old swimming sensation Kylie de Bruyn is diving into a bright future by securing a key sponsorship deal with Neolife to support her journey toward becoming a top South African senior athlete. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: De Bruyn credits her success to consistency, discipline, and the influence of strong female role models as she represents SA at the highest levels.
Photo 3 Caption: Following a standout 2025, from All-Africa Games medals to a top-tier continental ranking, the journey is only just beginning.
Photo 4 Caption: De Bruyn is focused on building a career that sees her competing internationally, representing SA, and inspiring the next generation of young athletes.
