An 11-year-old from the north of Pretoria recently made himself and his family proud when he conquered the 5km SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge last weekend.
“He improved his time to 22 minutes and 34 seconds,” Franco’s proud father, Tony Fernandez told Rekord.
“It was a personal best for him.”
This after the grade 5 learner from Laerskool Wonderboom continued to train “lap after lap” around his family’s Annlin home until he was finally allowed to train in the streets when regulations related to the national lockdown permitted.
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“This race gave him the desire to improve his time,” Fernandez said, adding that he achieved his previous personal best at a park run in the east of Pretoria.
“His previous Botanical Park run best was 22 minutes and 45 seconds.”
While the young boy runs, he also plays soccer for Hollandia Football Club.
Fernandez beamed with pride as he said he has lived up to his motto of ‘don’t give up’ and accomplished his mission.
His mother Marika and sister Franzelle also beamed with pride over the accomplishment.
Franco’s ‘trainer’ and Maltese pet dog Luke was also reported to have barked with joy over the “highlight” of his training career.
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Local public representative Lenise Breytenbach, who waited for Franco at the finish line, extended a congratulatory message to the young boy as well.
“We are extremely proud of him, keep on running,” she said.
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