#TuksSport: Schultz’s reward is helping players achieve their goals

Posted on October 14, 2020

About 20 years ago, a little boy dived into a swimming pool with one goal that is to the best.

It did not take him long to work out that hard work is the foundation for any dream to become a reality. That realisation paid off. In 2010 he represented Zimbabwe at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. It did not mean his quest ended. 

Jamie Schultz is still daily looking for ways to assure that perfect performance. The big difference is that it is not about him anymore. He wants athletes to fulfil their dreams. His reward is to know he was able to make a difference.

He started studying at Tuks in 2011 and completed his Master's degree in sports science in 2018. From 2013 to 2015 he worked at TuksFootball. Up until recently, he was involved at Kaizer Chiefs assisting their young players. He has also been involved with various women's teams. It includes working with the Basetsana team.

According to Schultz, it was an exciting challenge.

"Most of the players I worked with were fighting to become professionals. It meant they had to be able to perform at the highest level. I had to try and assist them in achieving their goals. 

"I often reminded players that talent alone is never going to be enough. The world's best achieved what they did through hard work and self-belief. It is also crucial that players look after their bodies. To me, it is a good investment for success.

"But my job entailed more than that. A good sports scientist must study the way a coach would like his team to play. Whatever conditioning methods I implement should add value to his plans. There are, however, some non-negotiable principles to cover in sport science such as strength and speed." 

Although Schultz is passionate about all sports, it is football that gets him excited.

"I am a big fan of how football in South Africa is played. The players got a unique flare and display of skills. I can honestly say that the game really grips me as there are so many different ways to approach any match."

Schultz's life has, however, changed dramatically. On Friday he is flying out to Britain to go and work at the Kitman Labs in Dublin. To him, it is the start of "a new chapter" in his career.

"Kitman Labs are transforming the way the sports industry uses data to increase performance. They work with athletes around the world. It includes the Springboks, Sharks, and Cheetah rugby players."

The Tuks Alumni expects that he will still mostly be involved with football. 

- Author Wilhelm de Swardt

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