A simple moment during a school athletics practice changed the course of Jaco Cilliers’ life.

At just 14 years old, while watching fellow athletes throw the discus, the Alberton youngster pointed to the throwing circle and said: “I want to do that.”

Today, the 25-year-old is the 2026 Down Syndrome discus world champion after claiming gold at the BAUHAUS World Championships for Athletes with Down Syndrome in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Jaco’s journey from Alberton to the top of the international podium has been built on determination, family support and the opportunities created by people who believed in his abilities.

Born and raised in Alberton, Jaco attended Leeuwenhof Academy in Bedfordview, where he was included in mainstream education from preschool to Grade Nine.

Supported by a teaching assistant and dedicated educators, he participated in academics, sport and cultural activities alongside his peers.

Following Grade Nine, he continued his education through home schooling, allowing him to focus more on athletics.

His love for the discus began almost by chance when he asked if he could try the event after watching older learners practise at school.

His natural ability quickly became apparent.

Recognising his talent, his mother, Ansie Cilliers, a qualified athletics coach, took on the role of coaching him.

Together, they spent years developing his skills through consistent training and dedication.

In 2015, Jaco joined the Tshwane Down Syndrome Athletics Club, where he began competing at provincial and national level.

Over five consecutive years, he competed at South African National Championships in Paarl, Durban, Bloemfontein and Polokwane, winning numerous gold and silver medals in the discus, shot put and javelin.

As a proud member of Alberton Athletics Club, he also competed regularly throughout Gauteng, where coaches and officials ensured he had opportunities to compete alongside able-bodied athletes.

Veteran coach Micky Ness also played an important role in his development.

In October 2023, Jaco and his family relocated to Reading, Berkshire, in England.

There, Reading Athletic Club welcomed him into its athletics programme, where he continues to train and compete alongside fellow club members.

Under throws coach Nigel Spratley, he has continued refining his technique while competing in the Southern Athletics League.

His first major international competition came in 2024 when he represented South Africa at the Trisomy Games in Antalya, Türkiye.

Competing against the world’s best athletes inspired him to work even harder.

That commitment paid off in 2025 when he won discus gold at the IAADS Open European Athletics Championships in Prague, earning the title of Open European Champion.

He also placed fourth in the shot put and eighth in the javelin.

His biggest achievement followed this year in Sofia.

Competing against athletes from 15 countries, Jaco won the discus gold medal to become the 2026 Down Syndrome Discus World Champion.

He also finished fourth in the shot put and sixth in the javelin.

Away from athletics, Jaco is also a member of the Mighty Berkshire Brigands, Reading Rugby Football Club’s mixed-ability rugby team, where he has built friendships while continuing to promote inclusion through sport.

Looking ahead, Jaco hopes to represent South Africa again at the 2028 Trisomy Games in Mexico, defend his discus title and add an international shot-put medal to his growing list of achievements.

From a young boy in Alberton with a dream to a world champion, Jaco continues to inspire others by proving that talent has no limits when given the opportunity to shine.