Swimming is where wet dreams become a reality.

This bumper sticker describes precisely what Tuks's Mahan brothers, Owethu and Tumelo, are about. Their dream is to be world-beaters in swimming in a few years from now.  They are under no illusions that to do so are going to take many a long and hard hour in the pool. It is a challenge they relish. 

Their dad, Dana, will vouch for it that motivation is the one thing his sons certainly don't lack. 

"Often, my wife and I have to remind our sons that they are children first and conquerors second."

Swimming was not always the brother’s first choice when it came to sport. 

"We both started out playing football. Although we enjoyed it, the reality was that we were not that talented," explains Owethu, who is the eldest. 

The turning point came about when they went for swimming lessons.   They took to the new challenge like a fish to water. 

There is a good reason why for now, Owethu favours the freestyle events. He seems to be built for it.  The 15-year old is 1.88cm tall and wears size 11 shoes and is still growing. 

It is interesting to note that the Olympic legend Michael Phelps is 1.93m tall and wears size 14 shoes. 

Success for Owethu is all about having a balance in life. Every time he swims, it is about giving 100%. The Grade 10-learner at Pretoria Boys High School applies the same dedication when studying. 

Tuks swimming coach, Linda de Jager, predicts Owethu has the makings to become a champion. 

"Owethu is a late developer. He will start coming to his own in two years from now. I don't think he is only going to excel in the freestyle. He is improving all the time in the butterfly. His biggest asset as a swimmer is his passion and dedication. He has definite ideas as to what his goals are." 

The 13-year old Tumelo is currently ranked as the second-best butterfly swimmer in his age group, and he is included in the South African youth squad. De Jager emphasised that it is essential to ensure there is no pressure on him to be at his best from to a young age. 

An ongoing discussion for years now is as to why swimmers of colour are battling to be competitive at an Olympic level or the senior world championships. Over the years there have been heroes, but they remain a definite minority in international swimming. Up to now, Darren Murray, is the only swimmer of colour to represent South Africa at an Olympic Games. He competed at the 2012 Games. 

According to Tumelo, the ongoing debate indeed serves as extra motivation. 

"Maybe one day one of us or both could end up being an inspiration to many as well as making sports history. But for now, I don't want to think about that. The only focus my brother and I have is to continuously become better swimmers,” the Tuks swimmer explained.

It is no surprise that he views the legendary athletes Jesse Owens as an inspirational role model. As a swimmer, he admires Chad le Clos. Owethu is a big fan of Michael Phelps who won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games. In total, the American had won 28 Olympic medals.

When the Tuks swimmers are not at school, or at training, they are involved with the youth ministry of the Hatfield Christian Church.