Name: Roland Schoeman
Age: 33
Title: Olympic Champion and Advocare Advisor
Married/Single: Girlfriend
Children: My girlfriend has a little girl and I have three Golden Retrievers
Live: Phoenix
Roland was born in Pretoria on March 7, 1980. Nicknamed “The Rocket”, he is an Olympic gold medalist and is South Africa’s most successful swimmer; he holds the world record in the short-course 50 meter freestyle, becoming the first man to swim the distance in under 21 seconds.
He first took interest in the sport when he was 13 years old and began to compete three years later. Roland attended the University of Arizona on scholarship and broke several NCAA records during his collegiate career. He graduated with degrees in Psychology and Communications.
Although he is asthmatic, Roland holds multiple records in the 100 m freestyle, 50 m freestyle, 100 m butterfly and 50 m butterfly events. He was voted the African Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the South African Swimmer of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. He was elected South African Sports Star of the Year in 2004.
I was born…
In Pretoria, South Africa, Swam for the University of Arizona and have been living in Ariz. for over 12 years.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
Sunsets and monsoons.
I’m listening to…
Kings of Leon and Mumford and Sons stations on Pandora.
My family…
Consists of my mom, sister and a handful of close friends. They keep me grounded and support me unconditionally. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
My Dad, he passed away when I was 14. I never had a chance to have the typical father son conversations. Never had a chance for him to see me win my Olympic medals. We have a lot to catch up on.
One thing I cannot live without…
Traveling. Swimming has afforded me the opportunity to see some amazing locations and experience different cultures. It’s enriched my life more than anything else. I feel fortunate that I have a woman in my life who I’ve been able to share a couple of these trips with.
When I was younger, I wanted to be..
MacGyver, my mom and dad bought me a small electronics set. After two days and a handful of failed attempts at creating anything of significance, my dreams were shattered.
I’m inspired by…
Empowering others. My dream is to inspire and empower other individuals. Whether it be through my actions, a personal account of my life or by guiding someone else.
The one person who motivates me is…
Anyone who has ever doubted me
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
Crime, corruption and poverty. Growing up in South Africa and traveling through Africa I’ve had a chance to see how bad it can really be and how badly change is needed.
The perfect day would be…
A day spent with my friends and family.
My first job was…
Working at a veterinary clinic.
My favorite escape…
Any beach vacation, Maldives, Bali, Des Roches Island
My life…
Is about creating my personal legend and helping others achieve theirs.
I’m currently working on…
Winning another medal at my fifth Olympics in 2016. Working on my sport and fashion photography. I am also an advisor for Advocare, I help others customize nutrition and wellness packages based on their needs.
Always…
Give credit where it is due, give thanks, laugh, exercise, breathe.
Never…
Turn down a salted caramel cupcake from Sprinkles, chew gum in Singapore, be afraid of failure, give up on your dreams
Favorite Quote…
“Excellence is the result of caring more than others think wise, risking more than others think safe, dreaming more than others think practical, and expecting more than others think possible” – Ronnie Oldham
Biggest Dream…
I’m living it right now
My Pet Peeve(s)…
Dishonesty, bad manners and cruelty to animals.
