Muriel Brand athletes collect podium spots at nationals
The team of 10 athletes took part in 31 items.
Athletes from Muriel Brand School took part in the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD) Toyota National Championships from March 30 to April 1 in Gqeberha.
“We travelled close to 3 000km safely and our athletes obtained excellent results,” said athletics coordinator Lauren Fremouw.
“We are truly proud of all of them. They have shown immense resilience and strength.”
The school had 10 athletes participating in 31 events, from which a total of 13 gold, six silver and four bronze medals were brought home. Some athletes even unofficially improved five national records.
The results for the championships are:
- Hlelo Modise: shotput fourth, and 100m silver.
- Kaylyn Payne: discus gold, shotput gold, and javelin gold.
- Donique vd Berg: 100m gold, long jump gold, 200m gold and SA record, shotput gold and SA record.
- Teagon Coimbra: 100m fourth, discus gold and SA record, shotput bronze and SA Record, and javelin silver and SA record.
- Simphiwe Dlamini: discus fourth, shotput fourth, and javelin bronze.
- Zander Green: 100m gold, discus silver, shotput silver, and long jump silver.
- Thabo Maje: 100m gold, 200m gold, and long jump gold.
- Matume Malatsi: shotput fifth, javelin fourth, and discus sixth.
- Damian Vuyk: shotput silver, 100m bronze, discus bronze, and javelin silver.
- Duncan Theunissen took part in the powerlifting event grabbing a gold medal.
“A huge thank you to our sponsors Jumping Kids, Michael Stevens and Johan Snyders for your support throughout the year. You make it possible for our amputee athletes to be at nationals and compete with the best prosthetics available.
“Every visit to your rooms has been a heartfelt experience for us. Changing lives one child at a time. Thank you Sonnyboy for driving us safely all over and for your help next to the track.
“Teacher Ilze Richter who worked as a national classifier to ensure every athlete participates fairly in their correct class, Francois Rossouw for your dedication and support with training as well as being an official on the field, Dr Japie de Jager and Louise de Jager for every meal prepared with love,” Lauren said.
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Competing in nationals is costly, and many athletes can’t afford to take part, even though they work very hard to qualify. This year all the necessary funds were raised, but with great difficulty.
The school appeals to the public to contribute to next year’s funds starting now, so they can ensure that all the athletes who qualify can go again.
If you would like to make a donation, you can contact the school at 011 817 9300 and ask to make a donation towards the national championships for 2026.
