Brackenhurst resident and visually impaired athlete Heinrich Vermaak will proudly represent Alberton on November 22 when he competes in the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century as part of South Africa’s first-ever mixed para cycling team.

Diagnosed with Stargardt Macular Dystrophy at the age of five, Heinrich’s vision gradually deteriorated over the years. Yet his love for sport never faded.

“I have always been sporty and competitive,” he said. “My disability made things harder and more of a challenge, but it was never a reason not to do sport.”

Growing up in Alberton, Heinrich played rugby, squash, hockey and athletics while attending mainstream schools, including Christian Brothers College in Boksburg.

“There is no other place I would rather live than Alberton,” he shared. “This community has always supported me. When I compete, I get messages of congratulations and encouragement from people who have known me for years.”

A lifetime of determination

Heinrich began cycling in 2011 and later transitioned to tandem para cycling as his eyesight worsened. He also competes in para triathlon, achieving podium finishes including silver at the 2023 Africa Para Triathlon Championships in Egypt and multiple titles at the SA Para Triathlon Championships.

A dedicated athlete and full-time data engineer, Heinrich trains as early as 03:00 to balance work, family and sport.

@albertonrecordBrackenhurst resident and visually impaired athlete Heinrich Vermaak will proudly represent Alberton on November 22 when he competes in the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century as part of South Africa’s first-ever mixed para cycling team.

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

“Preparing for the Double Century means putting in a lot of hours. I train on a special indoor trainer before work and sometimes again after. On weekends, my tandem partner Jefferson Murdoch and I do long rides together to prepare,” he said.

Heinrich credits his partner Vanessa for helping him stay motivated. “She keeps me going. Sometimes she is the one who kicks me out of bed and drives me to the Cradle for training because I cannot drive. Having that support makes all the difference.”

A historic team of trailblazers

This year’s Double Century in Swellendam will make history as Retina South Africa presents the nation’s first mixed para cycling team, a 12-member squad of visually and physically impaired athletes competing over 202 km of mountainous terrain.

“It is amazing and such a privilege to be part of this,” Heinrich said. “When Lindsay Engelbrecht approached me with the idea earlier this year, I was excited. We had to put in a lot of work and show commitment to be selected from about 20 people, and I am proud to have made the final team.”

Lindsay Engelbrecht, project and head of Para Sport Development, explained the team’s purpose: “This campaign is about inclusion, visibility and opportunity. We want to show that para athletes can take on the same challenges as anyone else and inspire others to participate in sport, regardless of ability.”

The team includes athletes from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, with Oswald Kydd as captain and Lindsay Engelbrecht as project lead. They meet weekly for training updates and mutual encouragement.
“We all have different disabilities and challenges, but we share the same goal. We want all 12 of us to finish. That is non-negotiable,” Heinrich said.

Riding to inspire

The 202 km race will be a massive physical and emotional test.

“Cycling on a tandem is twice as hard uphill because it is heavier and longer,” Heinrich explained. “The Double Century has over 2 100 metres of climbing, so it will push us to the limit. But it is about more than just the race. It is about showing that nothing is impossible.”

Heinrich’s message to the public is simple: “Just because you have a disability does not mean you cannot do something. We hope to inspire others, not only those with disabilities but anyone who needs motivation to take on a challenge.”

He believes greater inclusion in South African sport will come through better support structures.

“Sport is expensive, especially for para athletes. A tandem alone costs over R100 000. With more funding and sponsorship, more people could participate.”

Giving thanks

Heinrich expressed gratitude to those who make his journey possible: “I want to thank my partner Vanessa for all her support and Fast Cycles for always looking after my equipment and making sure my bike is race ready. Without their help, it would not be possible.”

About Retina South Africa’s para cycling initiative

Retina South Africa, a registered non-profit (NPO 058 255), has been advocating for people with retinal conditions for over four decades. Their Purpose. Power. Pedal. campaign brings together para athletes to challenge perceptions of disability and promote inclusion through sport.

“This terrain does not care who you are. But your courage is what gets you through,” said Oswald.

Heinrich and his teammates will line up in Swellendam on November 22, not only to complete the Double Century but to redefine what is possible for para athletes in South Africa.

Meet the history-making team

Oswald Kydd – Gauteng

Lindsay Engelbrecht – Gauteng

Deon Engelbrecht – Gauteng

Mhlengi Gwala – KwaZulu-Natal

Cornelle Woolf – Gauteng

Julani Visagie – Gauteng

Kathleen Flanagan – Eastern Cape

George Winship – Eastern Cape

Heinrich Vermaak – Gauteng

Jefferson Murdoch – Gauteng

Morgan Courtenay – Gauteng

Chris Wagner – Western Cape