Benoni resident Jason Weber (16) recently achieved a gold medal by placing first in the F3K Hand Launch Glider World Championships, in Herning, Denmark, in July.
Weber is the first world champion in the South African Model Aircraft Association’s (SAMAA) history.
Speaking of his achievement, Weber said: “The competition was tough and I honestly thought that the German competitors would out-perform everybody.
“Going into the last round of the championships I did not even think I would win, as I was fifth at that stage.
“I was lucky because my competition messed up in the final round.”
He added that what makes this radio-controlled form of gliding different to other flying sports is the fact that you have to throw the plane into the air in order to get it to fly, which makes it more physical.
The St Dunstan’s College pupil has been on five international teams in the last four years and has won two international team silver medals and two international individual gold medals.
His coach, Juanita Smith, accompanied Weber and two other South Africa junior team members to Denmark, where the South African junior team won a silver medal.
If you would like to get into the sport of model gliding, or would like more information, contact Herman Weber on 082 453 8551.
