At the Sanyo Bussan Cup held in Japan, Nordengen-Corris was the top female surf swim competitor, and was in the winning South African surf and rescue tube teams.
She also represented South Africa at the International Surf Rescue Championships held at North Beach in Durban, winning silver in the tube rescue event and bronze in the surf swim category.
Nordengen-Corris is also a budding entrepreneur, having launched an online water wear range called Mackintosh Waterwear that markets stylish products, which offer protection from nature’s extremities while at the same time being comfortable.
‘It is a struggle racing internationally, training and studying,’ she said. ‘My social life suffers because of my sport, study and business activities but it is so worth it. Every hour in the pool, with my books or behind my laptop are rewarding. I manage through endless “to do” lists and lots of time management.’
Her sport has taught her discipline, which in turn taught her how to manage her studies. ‘I will forever be grateful for the life lessons I have learned through juggling my studies and sport. The saying “busy people get things done”, is true in my case. I am always pushing myself to be better in every aspect of life. Thankfully, I am blessed with the ability to grasp concepts and learn easily, and this benefits me when I am away racing internationally and studying on my own,’ said Nordengen-Corris.
Her plans include teaching at a private school and launching two more online businesses. ‘My sporting possibilities are endless. I have my eyes fixed on World Champs Lifesaving in Italy later this year, as well as the Sanyo Cup in Japan in June. My mid-term sporting goal is FINA World Champs next year and my long-term goal is Olympics in 2024. I had my hopes set on 2020 but due to sickness, I doubt I will be ready this year,’ she added.
Offering advice to other athletes and students, Nordengen-Corris said: ‘Take a positive outlook on life and everything will fall into place. You will find that when your outlook on life changes – in fact, everything around you does. Your studies become easier and your sport performances improve. Don’t wait for opportunities, create them! To first year students, keep doing sport! So often students stop sport after school. I highly recommend keeping fit and active as it helps with your concentration at university.’
