Lara van Niekerk Biography: Age, Records, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Olympics

Lara van Niekerk is an accomplished South African competitive swimmer, renowned for her record-breaking performances in breaststroke events.

As a rising star in international swimming, she holds multiple African, Commonwealth, and South African records, establishing herself as one of South Africa’s most promising athletes.

Profile

• Full Name: Lara van Niekerk
• Stage Name: Lara van Niekerk
• Born: May 13, 2003
• Age: 22 years old
• Birthplace: Pretoria, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Competitive Swimmer
• Height: 5’5″
• Parents: Mr. Patrick van Niekerk and Mrs. Hanalie van Niekerk
• Siblings: Joa van Niekerk (sister), Zander van Niekerk (brother)
• Spouse: Not Married
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $100,000–$500,000

Early Life and Education

Lara van Niekerk was born on May 13, 2003, in Pretoria, South Africa. Raised in a tight-knit family by her parents, Patrick and Hanalie van Niekerk, she grew up alongside her older sister, Joa, and brother, Zander.

Lara’s love for swimming began at age five, inspired by watching her siblings in the pool at their family home. Her mother, Hanalie, who runs a swimwear manufacturing side business, fostered Lara’s early connection to the sport. She attended Pretoria High School for Girls, balancing her academic commitments with rigorous training. Lara’s dedication to swimming led her to train under coach Eugene da Ponte at the TuksSport High Performance Centre, where she honed her skills from age eight.

Career

Lara van Niekerk, an accomplished competitive swimmer, first gained prominence at the 2017 African Junior Swimming Championships in Cairo, winning five medals, including golds in the 50-metre and 100-metre breaststroke. Her international breakthrough came at the 2018 African Swimming Championships, where she secured gold medals in both the 50-metre and 100-metre breaststroke.

In 2019, she competed at the World Junior Swimming Championships in Budapest, placing fourth in the 50-metre breaststroke with a time of 31.12 seconds. Lara’s career soared in 2021 when she set African and South African records in the short-course 50-metre breaststroke (29.85 seconds) at the South African National Short Course Championships, becoming the first South African woman to break the 30-second barrier.

That year, she also set long-course 50-metre breaststroke records (29.88 seconds) at the Northern Tigers Swimming Championships. In 2022, she lowered her 50-metre breaststroke record to 29.72 seconds at the South Africa National Swimming Championships, earning qualification for the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

She won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships and gold medals in the 50-metre and 100-metre breaststroke at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. At the 2022 World Short Course Championships, she claimed a silver medal in the 50-metre breaststroke with a time of 29.09 seconds, setting a new African record.

In 2024, Lara competed at the Paris Olympics, finishing fourth in the 100-metre breaststroke, and continues to train for future international competitions.

Awards and Nominations

• 2018: Gold Medals, 50-metre and 100-metre breaststroke, African Swimming Championships
• 2022: Gold Medals, 50-metre and 100-metre breaststroke, Commonwealth Games
• 2022: Bronze Medal, 50-metre breaststroke, World Aquatics Championships
• 2022: Silver Medal, 50-metre breaststroke, World Short Course Championships
• 2023: Nominated for South African Sportswoman of the Year, SA Sports Awards

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @lara_van_niekerk
• Facebook Handle: Lara van Niekerk

Personal Life

Lara van Niekerk, an accomplished competitive swimmer, trains at the TuksSport High Performance Centre. She remains single, focusing on her swimming career and maintaining close ties with her family. Her father, Patrick, an amateur golfer, and her mother, Hanalie, provide unwavering support, while her siblings, Joa and Zander, pursue their careers.

Lara’s grounded nature is evident in her commitment to household responsibilities, such as helping with chores, which her mother emphasizes to keep her humble. Outside of swimming, she enjoys spending time with her dogs and staying connected with fans on social media, where she shares updates about her training and competitions. Lara’s disciplined lifestyle and strong family support system continue to drive her success.

Net Worth

Lara van Niekerk, an accomplished competitive swimmer, has an estimated net worth of $100,000–$500,000. Her income is derived primarily from prize money, sponsorships, and endorsements with brands supporting South African athletes. As a young athlete early in her career, her financial growth is tied to her continued success in international competitions, such as the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.