Obstacle-course racer headed to the US

You need to be tough to make it in the world of obstacle-course racing, as competitors are tested both mentally and physically. Oan de Waal (22), a former Hazyview resident, has proved himself among the toughest people in South Africa and is currently ranked second in the Warrior Series 2014.

De Waal will head to Cincinatti, Ohio, USA, on October 25 and 26 for the Obstacle Course Racing World Championship (OCRWC) but has one final obstacle to overcome before that.

He is in need of financial aid in order to make the trip and would love the support of the Lowvelders he grew up around. The athlete will also celebrate his birthday on October 25, which makes him even more excited about his first trip overseas.

De Waal grew up on a banana farm in Kiepersol. He matriculated from Hoërskool Nelspruit and is currently studying engineering at the University of Pretoria.

The student was introduced to the sport by a friend and became hooked. He participates in the Warrior Race, SA’s largest obstacle-course race series and the only race in Africa where participants could qualify for the OCRWC.

He takes part in the black ops elite category, which is a 16 to 21km race with 30 obstacles. Participants have to complete all of them or else forfeit the race.

To keep fit, De Waal does rock climbing, jogs and does body-weight exercises four to six times a week. Hard exercise, along with surrounding himself with positive people, is also the secret to his achievements.

He is also driven by the great fun he has overcoming obstacles. “Every time I get a hard obstacle which I struggle with and then finally overcome it, I become motivated. Pushing my limit is what I live for,” he says.

Competing overseas is a great opportunity to see how South Africa compares to other countries, De Waal says. “With sports like cricket and rugby, we are world class, but with others we are still behind.”

To learn more about the Warrior Race or the world championships, visit www.warrior.co.za or ocrworldchampionships.com.

If you’d like to help him get to the championships, contact him at Oan.dewaal@gmail.com