Silver Aaron smashes record at world champs

AARON Putz (17) has returned from INAS (International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability)World Championships held in Noumea, New Caledonia sporting three beautiful, Olympic sized silver medals.

Aaron, who hails from Waterfall, was the youngest member in the SA team and one of the youngest swimmers in the competition which saw ten countries competing in this International Paralympic Committee event.

This was his first international competition and an amazing opportunity for the team to swim against some highly competitive countries in world class facilities. The biggest competition was Hong Kong and China who have dedicated facilities and numerous coaches to ensure their swimmers receive every opportunity available.

“Hong Kong and Japan are the leading nations. The Australians are also very strong, they have few swimmers but are highly competitive,” said national coach, Jean Nortje.

Aaron took part in five pool events of which he made four finals and improved his seed time on all his events.

His best performance was in the 400 individual medley where he broke the South African and all Africa Long Course Record by six seconds. It took Aaron a while to realize that he had broken the record which was held by South African swimmer, Craig Groeneveld , since 2006. “I couldn’t believe it!” said Aaron.

He also got a B Olympic qualifying time in the 200 individual medley event and is now a mere three seconds off an A Olympic qualifying time, which he hopes to achieve by the end of the year. He also finished a close second in the 1.5km open water event in the Pacific Ocean. “It looked like a postcard, the water is flat and you can see the sea life as you swim,” said Aaron who loves swimming in open water events.

Aaron also competed with Team South Africa in the relays, where they were narrowly beaten into second place and brought home two silver medals.

“This has been the most successful gala in terms of medals (20), our last was 11 medals but unfortunately no golds, although we were very close a few times,” said Nortje.

The competition has inspired Aaron to keep working and reaching for his dream. “I am going to get better so I can beat them. I want to win gold at the 2016 Olympics,” said a determined Aaron who says his best chances are in the 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley as he sets his sights on earning his spot at the 2016 Summer Games.

Debbie, Aaron’s mom said, “Aaron functions with a lot of visual thoughts and dreams which he has no problem in expressing, often expressing them as though he has just won an Olympic medal. His amazing self belief shows me that he is using his disability to his advantage. I have taught him that his only disability is his attitude and a with a good one he will soar like an eagle. Autism is a lifetime disorder, however these children clearly are capable of achieving so much with their own lifelong dreams.”

Debbie also encouraged parents of intellectually disabled children to realise the potential that they can achieve. ” I know there are really hard times when the going gets tough and all seems hopeless but keep your sense of humour, choose your words carefully, encourage and love them every day and you will be amazed at the results.”

Aaron would like to thank all the people who have been so interested and supportive of his trip.