Losing part of his arm at five years old could have changed the course of Willy Marobela’s life, but the Elandsvlei resident and running enthusiast says he has never allowed his disability to hold him back.

Marobela was involved in an accident while playing with farming equipment, resulting in part of his arm being amputated. Having grown up with the disability, he says it has become part of who he is and does not affect his everyday life.

“I feel normal now because I practically grew up my whole life like that,” he said.

Sport has always played an important role in his life. He participated in athletics and soccer at school and still occasionally plays soccer, but running has become his main form of fitness.

Marobela regularly runs more than 10km around Randfontein, and although he has not yet competed in a marathon, he is considering taking that step soon.

For Marobela, running is not about proving what he can do despite his disability. It is simply about staying active and enjoying the sport he loves.