Up, up and away to Paris for Paralympic Games
Danika has competed in countries such as Egypt and Portugal, and is currently ranked eighth in the world for the women’s S13 100m Breaststroke event
Danika Vyncke (17) is on her way to the Paralympic Games in Paris at the beginning of August, where she will attend a training camp in Montpellier for two weeks before entering the Olympic Village in Paris. Danika is the oldest sibling of the well-known swimming Vyncke-sister-trio. The Vryheid Herald reported on these talented young girls in 2023 when Danika qualified for the 100m Breaststroke at the World Championships in Manchester for the Paralympic Games. But as feisty and goal-driven as she is, she mentioned last year that she wants more than just to have qualified. She is aiming to at least compete in the final heat, hence pushing extra hours in training. Danika was diagnosed with a vision impairment, thus falling into the S13 category at the Paralympics. By definition, Vision Impairment athletes in category S13 have vision loss.
Danika has competed in countries such as Egypt and Portugal, and is currently ranked eighth in the world for the women’s S13 100m Breaststroke event. At the Paralympic Games, Danika will compete in the 100m Breaststroke and 400m Freestyle.
Danika thanks her support team – which includes Coach Theo Verster, Personal Trainer Ronel Delport, Biokinetics Burger van der Merwe @ Prime Human Performance Institute, in co-operation with Dr Subban – as well as her family and many others for helping her to achieve this dream. All glory to God.
Danika, you are an inspiration to each and every one of us. Vryheid will be watching and rooting for you at the games!
Interesting facts about the Paralympics:
How many events will there be in the Paralympics 2024?
22 sports will feature at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, in 23 disciplines (with para cycling including two disciplines – track and road) and a total of 549 events distributed across 269 sessions (morning, afternoon and evening).
How many athletes compete in the Paralympics 2024?
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which will take place between August 28 and September 8, will bring together as many as 4400 athletes from around the world.
Why is it called the Paralympics?
The word ‘Paralympic’ derives from the Greek preposition ‘para’ (beside or alongside) and the word ‘Olympic’. Its meaning is that Paralympics are the parallel Games to the Olympics, and illustrates how the two movements exist side by side.
Is there a difference between the Olympic and Paralympic symbol?
The symbol of the Paralympic Games is made up of three waves called ‘Agitos’, which means ‘I move’ in Latin, compared to the five rings of the Olympics.
Did you know?
It is possible to shoot a bow and arrow without using your hands.
The basketball hoop stands the same height off the ground for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Or that wheelchair rugby is played with a round ball.
The Paralympic Games always takes place around two weeks after the Olympic Games.
Originally, the Paralympic Games were the sole reserve of wheelchair athletes. However, the official programme of the 1976 Paralympic Games was expanded to include competitors with other forms of disability (amputations, visual impairments, etc).
No prostheses are allowed in para swimming; swimmers compete without the aid of accessories.
The balls used in blind football and goalball are filled with bells. They make a noise when they roll so that the players can locate them.
At the Paralympic Games, para swimming is open to athletes with all types of disabilities.
ALSO READ: Trio of sisters destined for Olympics
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
