De Wet Gous shines at NCASA Championships with 10 gold medals and prestigious award
Dewet Gouws captured 10 gold medals and the prestigious NCASA President’s Award, highlighting not only his dominance in the pool but also his leadership, integrity, and lasting impact on Northern Cape swimming.
Image: Danie van der Lith
DE WET Gous underlined his status as one of the Northern Cape’s leading young swimmers with a commanding display at the recent NCASA Championships, collecting 10 gold medals, the Best Senior Boys Swimmer title in the 17 to 18 age group, and the prestigious NCASA President’s Award.
The Diamantveld High School matriculant’s achievements capped another significant chapter in a career built on consistency and discipline. Competing in a sport defined by early mornings, relentless training and split-second margins, Gous has steadily separated himself through sustained performance and leadership.
At the championships, he dominated his events, but it was the President’s Award that set his campaign apart. The honour, one of the federation’s highest accolades, recognises swimmers who embody the values and vision of NCASA through character, leadership, integrity and lasting influence within the swimming community. It is not awarded lightly and this is only the second year it has been presented.
“Swimming has been an integral part of my life,” Gous said. “To be recognised not only for my swimming but for who I am and who I strive to be is a privilege and a blessing.”
His medal tally confirmed his competitive edge, yet his focus remains measured.
Dewet Gous stands with all his medals and a trophy as testament to his swimming excellence.
Image: Supplied
“It is always a privilege to be on the podium with my swim friends. For me, it is not about the medals but the feeling of accomplishment and having your effort rewarded.”
That outlook has underpinned a career marked by national recognition. Since 2022, Gous has featured prominently in Swimming South Africa’s annual age group rankings. He was ranked first in South Africa in the 200m butterfly in 2023 and 2025 and has consistently placed among the country’s top swimmers in endurance events, including the 400m individual medley, 800m freestyle and 1,500m freestyle.
His record-breaking began early. At nine, he started rewriting Northern Cape marks and today holds numerous provincial records. Over the past eight years he has represented the Northern Cape at interprovincial competitions, captaining the senior team this year.
The President's Award is recognition for his efforts in and outside of the pool.
Image: Supplied
Further milestones followed. In 2024, he qualified for the Olympic Trials. In 2025, he secured the Senior Victor Ludorum title at SA Schools, reinforcing his standing on the national stage.
The 200m butterfly, the event in which he has topped national rankings, remains one of his sternest tests.
“By nature that is a very challenging race,” he said, adding that competing in sprint freestyle events also pushed him beyond his comfort zone.
With matric demands increasing, Gous has chosen to approach the year with balance, prioritising SA Schools before shifting his primary focus to academics.
His latest NCASA campaign adds weight to an already decorated résumé. Beyond medals and rankings, the President’s Award highlights the broader impact he has made within his sport.
For the Northern Cape, Gous’ performance at the championships stands as both recognition of past excellence and a marker of continued promise.