After not receiving a reply, Zandberg moved out of his room with van der Burgh. He then paid for his own room, in which girlfriend Linda joined him. It is unclear whether switching rooms or having his girlfriend come stay with him or both infuriated Swimming South Africa, but something did. They big balls federation insisted on meeting with Zandberg, The meeting went tits up and ended in a disciplinary hearing.
ZwemZa reports that Zandberg was fined R50,000 and was required to complete a year of community service. Apparently, Swimming South Africa originally included a two-year ban from swimming and scratching from the forthcoming World Cup meets among the punishments, but it is unclear if those sanctions will be enforced.
Obviously he had enough of dealing with idiots, announcing the end of his career with a short Tweet: Today…my swimming career has come to an end.
At this summer’s world championships, Zandberg was looking to join Michael Phelps as the only swimmers to win medals in the same event at five world championships. Zandberg won gold in the 50 backstroke at the 2007 worlds in Australia, and was the bronze medalist in that event in 2003, 2009 and 2011. Zandberg placed 13th in this year’s 50 backstroke in Barcelona.
In addition to his world championship accomplishments, Zandberg competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. His only appearance in an Olympic final was in the 400 medley relay in 2008, when South Africa placed seventh.
If we can give him any advice, it would be to emigrate. There are many countries that would love to have him swimming on their international teams. AND they will treat him like an adult…
