Xander van der Linde (14) has never seen himself as a ‘disabled child.’
This local young athlete from Tugela High School’s story inspired a whole nation after participating in the South Africa Sport for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD) national competition in Bloemfontein earlier this year. After his tremendous performance during Easter Weerkend, he succeeded in becoming a household name in the world of national Athletics.
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Born on September 30, 2003, in Newcastle, Xander has never seen himself as a disabled child, and takes on all the challenges life throws in his direction with great positivity.
To his friends and family he is known as a spontaneous and passionate child who inspires people wherever he goes, and it is with thís positivity and love of life Xander managed reaches his goals every day.
After winning a golden medal in discus and a silver in shot put, in his first ever SASAPD games this year, He is more focused and determined than ever.
“Xander has been struggling with many things in his life, his speech is underdeveloped, and he struggles with balance so for him to be able to function completely independent of others as he does, is one of the greatest things he ever achieved,” explained Xander’s mother Madelein.
For him the secret to success is not taking life too seriously. He is a hard worker and spends a lot of time practicing, but it is with the love and support of his family Xander managed to achieve greatness.
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Xander is a truly inspirational young man, but between all his sporting achievements and schoolwork he is just a normal, videogame-loving teenager who does his best to live life as normally as possible.
“Xander is the most positive and motivated child who takes every opportunity handed to him, and runs with it. We as his family are extremely proud of him,” said Madelein.
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