No legs not a challenge for Simon
An unfortunate railway accident left Simon without legs.
Simon Makgobela is a 32-year-old disabled cyclist with a passion for sports. His story began when he lost both his legs in a train accident, when he was only 16 years old.
You might have seen him and his bicycle on the streets of Krugersdorp. You might have driven past him time and time again. And if you’ve ever seen him up close, you’ll know that he lacks what most people take for granted – his legs.
During one racing event, Simon found another person with a disability similar to his. However, this person was manoeuvering a custom-made bicycle.
He subsequently took a test ride, and liked it very much. In fact, he liked it so much that he used a similar bicycle which he borrowed, to compete in a Gauteng race. He won the race.
Since then he has competed in the Paracycle World Championships in Italy and finished in ninth place. His next goal is to qualify for the next Paralympics, which will be held in 2020. However, his talent isn’t restricted to cycling – he would also like to improve his tennis skills as much as possible.
Even though his sponsored, second-hand bicycle is a blessing to him, Simon added that it’s not easy maintaining it. And since the bicycle wasn’t custom-made for his bodily features and disability, it remains difficult to do certain manoeuvers and to avoid accidentally hurting himself.
Thus, if you see him around town, don’t hesitate to greet or even support him in fulfilling his dreams and building a future.
* To read the full report on Simon’s journey, get your hands on a copy of this week’s Krugersdorp News, which hits the street today, alternatively, read the article in the News’ online version of the newspaper by clicking here: https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/epapers/krugersdorp-news-15-june-2018/
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