He is not only breaking records on the BMX track but is also breaking the stigma related to epilepsy.
Justin Dekker is a 16-year-old who in May is going to represent South Africa in the World BMX Championships in Colombia, South America. In 2014, he was judged top four rider in Africa and with supportive dad, Grant and mum, Paula, Justin is turning wheels and heads.
The confident but quietly spoken Grade 11 pupil at Dundee High School is the youngest Epilepsy, South Africa, ambassador in the country. The honour was bestowed on him two years ago when he approached Epilepsy SA to ask permission to wear their logo on this BMX outfit.
“They agreed as it is a way to show the public that people with epilepsy are not invalids but are able, active and winning people,” Justin told the Courier. There are three other ambassadors for epilepsy in the country and last week Justin was invited to address 400 delegates Government’s Disability Rights Summit in Johannesburg.
“It was rather nerve wracking but I spoke from the heart.
“I told people the causes of epilepsy, how it can be treated and how family support is so important. My aim was to be motivational and positive rather than to make people feel sorry for us.”

Dad, Grant, said he was shocked that Justin could stand up and address such an austere gathering.
“It was so wonderful to hear everyone applauding his talk. Very heart warming. I don’t think I would have managed a talk like that in front of all those people,” he joked.
Justin’s talk can be heard on Epilepsy SA’s official website.

Feels ‘like any other teenager’

He added that two years ago, as a 14-year-old, he addressed fellow pupils in the hall at Dundee High and that ‘was even worse’. He says his friends and teachers are very supportive and that he does not feel any different from any other teenager.
His role as ambassador will see him undertake radio interviews and other talks in KZN – something which he is looking forward to.
“There are communities where people with epilepsy are treated as outcasts as if they are bewitched. I want to break the stigma attached to this. I want them to be brave and confident.”
Justin was diagnosed with epilepsy from the age of nine months. The condition continued until he was four and then settled down – which doctors say is normal. At 14, the condition was back.
“It is sort of like your brain switching off or a minute or two without you realising it. There are triggers: caffeine, MSG (food colourant found in especially chips) – so it is important to eat healthy and keep active.”
Keeping active is easy for this BMX junkie and with the active support of dad, Grant (himself a BMX veteran champion), mum, Paula and other sister, Anthea, there is no doubt that Justin is headed for trophies both on the track and in life.