Pta Paralympic athlete, coach excels
The only thing the T36-athlete loved as much as coaching, was competing in athletics, especially in the 800m, 1 500m and 5 000m.
He has set two African records and is one of the top 10 coaches in the country.
Paralympic athlete Shane Smit (30) has broken boundaries and exceeded expectations in his career as star athlete, and was also coaching others to achieve their dreams.
The qualified level three athletics and cross country coach was training a new generation of athletes at Maragon Mooikloof secondary school, east of Pretoria.
Shane took some time off his busy schedule to meet with Rekord this week, sharing his passion for athletics.
“Growing up I never realised I was disabled. I always loved athletics and took part in every event – I never won, but I never gave up either,” said Smit, who attended Hoërskool Garsfontein where his dream to not only compete in athletics, but also coach others, took root.
“I started coaching, informally, in grade 10 already,” said Smit, adding, “I really enjoyed it and knew it was what I wanted to do.”
After matriculating and achieving his level 1 ASA qualification, he started coaching at Laerskool Garsfontein.
“I started coaching five learners and by the time I left Garsfontein, I had 55 athletes training with me,” said Smit proudly.
Smit, who also coached other sports like netball, hockey and rugby, joined Pretoria High School for Girls in 2016, where he coached till 2019.
Since April 2020, Smit coached at Maragon Mooikloof, where he is also the conditioning coach for all of the school’s team sports.
“In my 12 years as coach I have seen a few of my athletes receive full scholarships overseas.”
The only thing the T36-athlete loved as much as coaching, was competing in athletics, especially in the 800m, 1 500m and 5 000m.
“I was internationally classified in 2017. I am currently among the top 10 in the world in the 800m,” Smit said.
He is ranked as number four in the world in the 1 500m, and number one in the world in 5 000m.
He set two African records (1 500m, 5 000m) and won the 5 000m in 2018 with a new African record.
“I also qualified for the SA championships and for the world championships team this year, but unfortunately cannot go and participate due to the global pandemic.”
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Smit said as a Paralympic athlete he exceeded many expectations.
He was formerly classified as a T38-athlete and even though he then competed against much stronger athletes, he still achieved much success.
Overcoming his own obstacles, like learning to run with one leg 4cm shorter than the other, taught him how to train others who were differently challenged.
“It is important to know what your strengths are, so you can focus on training your weaknesses.”
Shane said that any goal was possible to reach with hard work and determination.
“I was told by doctors that I would never be able run more than 1 000meters and would never be able to take part in the 5 000m – but I proved them wrong.
“Anyone is capable of achieving anything through determination, faith and practice.”
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