Cameron Van Der Burgh Bio: Net Worth & Olympics

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Whenever any one of the people represents their country to the world, whether it is sports, music, or any other, the nation does everything to respect that person.

And only a few get such prestigious recognition. And, the former professional swimmer Cameron Van Der Burgh is one of them.

He is regarded as South African’s first Olympian gold medalist and home-trained world champion holder.

The South-African government has awarded him with the Ikhamanga Silver (OIS) for achieving such an accomplishment. 

Cameron Van Der Burgh
Cameron Van Der Burgh. (Image Source: Cameron’s Instagram)

Moreover, Cameron has secured numerous records as the winner, the first runner up, and the second runner up in various events like the World Aquatic Championship, Olympic Games, etc. 

And by accomplishing huge success in swimming, he took a break for good in 2018. So, in today’s article, we will also talk about all of his achievements so far.

Also, you will find the information on Cameron’s love life, family, net worth, and education in the article below. So, let’s get into it.

Cameron Van Der Burgh: Quick Facts 

Full Name Cameron Van Der Burgh
Nick Name None
Age 35 years old
Gender Male
Sexual Orientation Straight
Height 6’1″ (1.84 meters)
Weight 85 kg (187.3 lb)
Horoscope Gemini
Date Of Birth 25th May 1988
Birth Place Pretoria, South Africa
Religion Under Review
Nationality South African
Ethnicity White-South African
Hair Colour Dark brown
Eye Colour Hazel grey
Skin Colour Fair
Tattoos Yes
Marital Status Married
Wife Nefeli Valakelis
Kids One son – Harry David Van Der Burgh
Father’s Name David Van Der Burgh
Mother’s Name Bev Van Der Burgh
Siblings One brother – Andrew Van Der Burgh
High School Glenstania Primary
College Name Crawford College.
Profession Fund Analyst and Former Professional Swimmer
Active from 2007-2018
Club Energy Standards
Event Breaststrokes
Medals And Achievements
  • One Time Olympic Champion -2012
  • Two Times World Championships (LC) -2009 and 2013
  • Four Times World Championships (SC) – 2006, 2016, and 2018
  • Four Times Commonwealth Games Champion – 2010, 2014 and 2018
  • Six Times African Games Champion – 2007,2011 and 2015
  • One Time African Championships Winner – 2016
Net Worth $1.5 Million
Salary Under Review
Endorsements Arena, Audi, Investec, USN, Tag Heuer, and Procter & Gamble
Social Media Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
Merch  Swimming Equipment
Last Update March, 2024

Cameron Van Der Burgh Wiki | Age, Birth Sign & Early Childhood

Cameron was born in 1988 in Pretoria, South Africa. He lights the birthday candle on the 25th of May. As of publishing this article, the former swimmer is 35 years old.

As Cameron was born at the end of May, he secures Gemini as his birth sign.

Early Childhood

Cameron didn’t move to any new places after his birth, so; he was brought up in his hometown. His parents raised him by providing every needed facility, nutrients, and care.

However, Cameron’s health didn’t cooperate with him while he was a child. Yes, you might think that the former swimmer was extremely healthy since childhood by looking at his achievements and athletic body, but it was just the opposite.

During childhood, Cameron suffered from a disease called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It compelled him to face many challenges and problems while growing up.

And to overcome the obstacles and remain alert in class, Burgh used to take a medicine called Ritalin as prescribed by his respective doctor for ADD.

But, in one of the events or interviews, Cameron said that the specified medicine acted as the depressant on him.

As a result, Burgh’s parents thought of alternatives and eventually introduced him to sports. Then, he got indulged in playing games.

And yes, fortunately, the former swimmer got the better of ADD with the help of games, swimming (to be precise).

<<Next Swimmer | Adam Peaty Bio: Olympics, Net Worth & Girlfriend>>

Who Are Cameron Van Der Burgh Parents? 

Cameron is a son to his parents, David Van Der Burgh (father) and Bev Van Der Burgh (mother). Except for their names, the former swimmer has not shared anything. 

But, Cameron always mentions his parents’ sacrifices and love, which they poured on him throughout his (Cameron) career.

Cameron Van Der Burgh’s Inspiration Is His Mother

Mainly, the former swimmer dedicated all his success and wins to his birth mother, Bev. For this reason, the press gave him a tagline, Mama’s Boy.

Indeed, if you ever come across any videos where Cameron is seen flaunting his winning trophies and medals, then be sure to listen to his gratitude speech to his mother.

Cameron Van Der Burgh and Bev Van Der Burgh
Cameron Van Der Burgh with his mother, Bev Van Der Burgh. (Image Source: Cameron’s Instagram)

Also, why wouldn’t Cameron do so when his mother never gave up on his dream. Plus, Bev even managed a time from her job to take him to the training classes.

And at the end, the former swimmer achieved such success that no one can ever replace it.

Cameron Van Der Burgh Siblings

The former swimmer, Cameron, was raised with his older brother named Andrew Van Der Burgh. Regarding Andrew’s profession, he is a Chartered Accountant.

Cameron Van Der Burgh Body Measurements | Height And Weight

The former Olympian Champion, Cameron, has a pillaring height, which helps him stand out in the crowd. The Olympian is 6 feet and 1 inch (1.84 meters) tall. 

On top of that, his long legs and hands are the major reasons that made him stretch his body while swimming compared to other swimmers.

Similarly, Cameron has a muscular physical structure. In other words, he has a maintained physique with the listed weight of 85 kg (187.3 lbs.). So, to date, the former swimmer is super fit.

Cameron Van Der Burgh Distinctive Features | Eyes, Hair, And Tattoos

Though Cameron stands out in a huge mass for his success and number of medals, he also has a unique physical appearance. 

For instance, he has hazel-grayed eye color. And also, his sharp jawline can be seen in his long and eye-catchy face.

Also, he has fair skin with dark brown hair color. Frequently, the former swimmer grows a french beard, which gives him a classy look.

Talking about tattoos on Cameron’s body, he has one of them on his arm. He inked it in 2013.

<<Next Olympian Medalist: Orlando Ortega Bio: Olympics, Hurdles & Net Worth>>

Cameron Van Der Burgh Nationality And Ethnicity

As said earlier, Cameron was born in South Africa. And during his entire childhood, he didn’t move to any other country. So, he holds South African nationality.

Likewise, Burgh’s accurate ethnicity is nowhere to be found as of now, But, most probably, he belongs to the White-Africans ethnic groups.

Is Cameron Van Der Burgh Married? Detail On His Married Life

Cameron is happily married to his long-time partner, Nefeli Valakelis. The duo was in a relationship for many years.

Dating – Marriage

If we go through Cameron’s Instagram, we will find the pictures of him and his now-wife, Nefeli, more than his victories and competition.

So, it is clear that the former swimmer is head over heels for his better half, even after many years of togetherness.

Well, Cameron and Nefeli began dating in October 2013. They explored several places, happiness, and many more as a girlfriend and boyfriend for nearly five years.

Then, Cameron and Nefeli exchanged their wedding vows to be together forever on 2nd July 2018 in Athens, Greece.

Cameron Van Der Burgh and Nefeli Valakelis
Cameron Van Der Burgh shares a wedding kiss with his wife, Nefeli Valakelis, in July 2018. (Image Source: Cameron’s Instagram)

At the wedding ceremony, Burgh wore three pieces of a navy blue tuxedo, which gave additional classy looks to him.

On the other hand, Nefeli was covered with a white-knit gown with a V-neck on it. Also, she completed her look with the long white-net veil on her head.

To date, Cameron and Nefeli are together, and their bond has become even stronger.

Cameron Van Der Burgh Kids | Name And Age

Cameron is blessed with a baby boy Harry David Van Der Burgh, with his wife, Nefeli Valakelis.

The former swimmer’s son, Harry, was born on 4th September 2020 on Friday at 3:42 in the afternoon at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Highlights On Cameron Van Der Burgh Education

To pursue education, Cameron attended Glenstania Primary while he was a young boy.

Then, in 2006, he went to Crawford College.

Cameron Van Der Burgh Professional Career

Swimming Career

Cameron thought of making his career in swimming at the age of sixteen though he was interested in it many years ago. 

After training for many years, Cameron represented his country at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Then, again, Burgh competed at the 2012 Olympic games and won the gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke. Likewise, in the 2016 Olympic Games, he won the silver medal.

Also, during his entire career, he participated in many championships, including the World Aquatic Championship.

As a result, he acquired two gold medals, three silver medals, and five bronze medals from the championships, in which he participated from 2007 to 2017.

In addition, Cameron also grabbed four gold, three silver, and one bronze medal by competing at The Fina World Swimming Championships (SC) from the year 2008  to 2018.

Check Cameron’s Swimming Highlights: Cameron Van der Burgh Top 5 Races of All Time

And between 2010 to 2018, Cameron also made an appearance at the Commonwealth Games. He won four gold medals, two silver medals, and three bronze medals from the specified events during that period.

Also, Cameron won the first position in African Games in 2007, 2011, and 2015. Furthermore, he acquired six gold medals from the tournament as he won in both the 50 meters and 100 meters breaststroke.

Moreover, he is the winner of the 2016 African Championships.

Eventually, by making such an irreplaceable record, Cameron announced his retirement from the swimming career in 2018.

Career As A Hedge Fund Analyst

Cameron was passionate about financial markets since the day when he won JSE School Challenge in 2005.

However, after retirement, he wanted to widen his sharp mind and interest in the investment and finance-related field.

As a result, Cameron initiated his profession as a fund analyst by joining Andurand Capital in 2018.

Cameron Van Der Burgh Awards And Achievements

Besides winning medals, Cameron has received many other awards and recognitions.

For example, in 2012, Cameron got the South African Style Icon award. Also, he acquired the GQ 7th Best-dressed Man award in the same year.

Further, in 2014, Cameron was provided with the Order of Ikhamanga Silver (OIS) award for an excellent achievement from his nation.

Cameron Van Der Burgh Net Worth | Salary And Winning Prize

Cameron piled up a huge fortune from his profession. He competed in numerous championships and also won many of them in the first place.

So, it is obvious that the former swimmer made hundreds and millions of dollars.

As per the sources, Cameron Van Der Burgh has a net worth of $1.5 million.

However, Cameron’s entire fortune might be more than the above estimated one. 

Also, the former swimmer is reportedly earning between $200K to $400K from his several sponsorships, including Arena, Investec, Audi, USN, Tag Heuer, and Procter & Gamble.

Cameron Van Der Burgh Social Media Presence | Instagram, Twitter, And Facebook

Though Cameron has retired from swimming, he has not stopped updating his daily life, new beginnings, and parenthood on his social media platforms.

And, if you want to keep up with our former swimmer, don’t forget to click the link below and tap the follow button on his official accounts.

Twitter: 98.8K followers

Instagram: 75.4K followers

Facebook: 21K followers

Interesting Facts About Cameron Van Der Burgh

  1. Cameron started swimming when he turned eleven.
  2. At the age of 16, Cameron broke his ankle, but this didn’t make him stop swimming.
  3. In March 2020, he got COVID-19. But, he recovered within a couple of weeks.

FAQs

When did Cameron van der Burgh retire?

The South Africa origin, Cameron retired from swimming in December 2018.

Who won the gold in men’s 100m breaststroke in the 2012 London Olympics?

Cameron Van Der Burgh grabbed the gold medal in London Olympics 2012 in men’s 100m breaststroke.

Are Cameron Van Der Burgh and  Quinton Van Der Burgh related?

Well, many of you might be assuming that the former swimmer Cameron has a blood relation with Burgh Group Holdings’s CEO Quinton Van Der Burgh.

But, the truth is that they both are not related to each other in any of the criteria.

Soni Pahadi
Soni Pahadi

Soni Pahadi

Soni Pahadi is a dedicated writer with a passion for uncovering the untold stories within the sports world. Her articles offer readers a captivating blend of insightful analysis, human interest narratives, and cultural commentary that enriches their understanding of the athletes and events that shape the sporting landscape.

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Youth Sports Diversity Stories

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  • Soni delves into the cultural significance of sports, exploring how athletic events intersect with identity, tradition, and societal values.
  • She advocates for youth participation in sports, highlighting the benefits of athletic activities for physical health.

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With a background in writing and a deep-seated passion for sports, Soni approaches each article with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices within the sports community. She seeks to inspire, educate, and empower readers through her storytelling, fostering a deeper connection to the world of sports.

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