Gliding through the water and making a splash on his way through the continents, freshman Alexander Eland made the move to the United States four months ago.
“I lived in South Africa until around the age of nine,” Eland said. “We lived in a small town called East London that was on the south coast of the country.”
Growing up in East London, on the southern coast of South Africa, Eland made lots of memories and a connection with the water.
“While South Africa is one of the most dangerous countries in the world I think it beautiful,” Eland said. “The scenery and the natural beauty. It’s just absolutely amazing.”
Eland started swimming from a young age and enjoyed the water.
“I didn’t compete much while in South Africa,” Eland said. “I was in some meets but nothing very serious.”
The fondness that Eland holds for East London and South Africa as a whole remained even after he moved to England when he was nine.
“We moved to London right before Covid,” Eland said. “There just weren’t enough job opportunities in South Africa at the time, so we moved to England for more opportunities.”
While more opportunities arose for the family as a whole there was a cultural adjustment once they arrived in Barmouth, a small town on the southern coast of Wales.
“The culture is really different there than in South Africa,” Eland said. “It can be quite grumpy sometimes there, but eventually I connected to the place and the people and I really enjoyed my time there.”
Once Eland got to England and adjusted to the new environment, his love for swimming grew and he started to take the sport more seriously.
“I didn’t start to take swimming that seriously until around three years ago,” Eland said. “I had been competing for a while but I started to win county championships and was in the top-10 for most races in the region.”
Other than basic local awards Eland reached recognition in the United Kingdom as a whole.
“I‘m not sure exactly where I would be ranked right now, now that I’m in the United States,” Eland said. “But I was ranked around 20th in the country when I was in England.”
Eland, who moved here when his sister decided to go to college at the University Houston four month ago, is excited to be part of the Bowie community.
“I think it’s the best and nicest school I’ve ever been to,” Eland said. “There is a crazy gym and weight room and equipment that I can use that I didn’t have access to before .”
While being used to being close to the coast all of his life, Austin has been a nice change.
“While it’s a change it’s not that big,” Eland said. “Austin has a lot of really cool rivers and lakes.”
Eland also continued his swimming journey soon after he arrived in the United States. Junior Alexa Sanders, knows him from not only the Bowie’s swim team but also their club team Whitecaps of Westlake.
“I saw him first over the summer but our team was really big and it was crazy getting everyone in lanes,” Sanders said. “When all the college kids left to go to their respective schools that’s when I got to know and meet him.”
Eland not only is a skilled and talented swimmer but also extremely friendly and social.
“The first time I met him he was in my lane and he immediately sparked up a conversation,” Sanders said. “He was bubbly and friendly, and it was really fun getting to talk and swim with him that day.”
Once the school year started Eland jumped from club practice with Sanders to school practice.
“I think he’ll be a great addition to the team,” Sanders said. “I’ve seen him at practices and he has a really strong work ethic so I think he’ll be great for the team.”
Since swim practice has started Eland’s efforts haven’t gone on notice by his new teammates.
“Alex being only a freshman is absolutely insane to me,” senior co-swim team captain Noah Ellinger said. “He is very diligent and his form and speed are incredible for his age.”
Eland’s positive energy and spirit are something that shine through at practice.
“I think Alex brings nothing but diversity and an overall positive attitude to the team,” Ellinger said. “He’s a great guy and he’s going places.”
Sanders and Ellinger aren’t the only ones who share this sentiment about Eland his other teammates see the same things.
“Alex always shows up to practice with 100 percent effort and with a good attitude,” senior swim team member Avery Archer said. “He never complains about the sets and is always determined to be better. His work ethic is admirable and I think he is an amazing addition to this team.”
With his strong work ethic and talent Eland is ecstatic to be part of a great team, and compete with the bulldog swim and dive team.
“It feels more like a team than teams I’ve been on, in the past,” Eland said. “Instead of just working for yourself it feels like a community.”
