Vryburger High learner qualifies for rugby nationals after winning silver
"He is a good listener and a hard worker. He has prioritised both sports and academics.”
Rialto Visser from Hoërskool Vryburger High School qualified to compete in the South African Athletics National High Schools Track and Field Championships.
For the first time in 20 years, the school has an athlete named for the Gauteng squad that will compete in the national championships.
Visser was delighted about this monumental achievement as he prepared for the national stage in Bloemfontein.
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The U19 long jump specialist qualified after winning a silver medal at the provincial championships at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria.
He expressed his pride in himself, his performance, and the opportunity to fly the school’s flag.
“This is my first time at this level of competition. My family fully supports me, and it’s odd that I’ve never won anything till I started athletics. I practice twice a week at Germiston Stadium to stay in shape.
“The school has been supportive and taken care of all my needs. I have won gold from the qualifying stages to the provincials,” said Visser.
Visser also plays rugby and soccer on the school’s senior team.
“I’ve been playing rugby for three years and I really enjoy it. I now understand the game. My teachers inspire me every day to keep pushing and accomplishing more.
“I’m in Grade 12 and after graduation I want to study sports management or sound engineering,” said Visser.
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Ruan de Lange, a teacher, coach, and the school’s head of sports, congratulated Visser and praised his determination to succeed.
“He is a good listener and a hard worker. He has prioritised both sports and academics. He last jumped over 7m in the long jump.
“He got his start when someone was supposed to jump for the school but failed to pitch. He was there, and I told him to leap, which he did.
“He has improved with time and is currently the best at school. Last year, he made it to Gauteng level and finished seventh.
He is passionate about learning and growing. As the school, we will be participating in rugby, hockey, and netball during the upcoming second term,” said De Langer.
