Club 21 athletes shine at Trisome World Games in Türkiye

Athletes from Club 21 in Centurion have made their mark at the recent Trisome World Games held from March 17 to 27 in Türkiye.

Having represented South Africa at the games, Angelique Swart, Cindy Engelbrecht, and Chelize Henry brought home a collective 16 medals.

This year South Africa sent 13 athletes to Antalya in Türkiye to what is described as “the Olympics for athletes with Down syndrome”.

Engelbrecht etched her name in history by setting a world record for the Mosaic Category in the 800m walk.

She told Rekord she was very proud of her achievements.

“I exercised very hard and motivated myself to do better every day,” she said.

Engelbrecht, who was runner-up for the 2022 Tshwane Sportswoman of the Year, brought home four medals.

“I thought about all the hard work I had put in, and that I just have to do my best,” she said.

“I know I worked very hard to prepare, so I knew that I was ready to reach great heights.”

Henry clinched an impressive eight medals and set continental records for the long jump, 50m backstroke and triathlon.

“I thank our Heavenly Father for my talents and for being with me every step of the way,” she said.

“It took lots of hard work and sweat to achieve this, even though it made me tired at times.”

She said the hard work and intense focus were worth it to achieve her results.

Henry performs her best in field items, including discus, long jump, javelin and shot put, but was excited to show her talent in the swimming pool too.

“I knew I had to get my mental focus right, reminded myself that I worked hard to get here, the Lord is with me, and I just have to do my best and make everyone proud.”

Swart, despite narrowly missing out on two medals, said she was glad to have been able to represent her country.

She competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m walk in the T21 category.

“I worked hard with my coaches, in the gym, on the athletics field and even doing CrossFit,” she told Rekord.

Swart said she was nervous about competing with the other athletes in front of spectators and it was her first major competition, but kept her head focused on the race.

“I am very happy to have obtained my SA colours, the green and gold are beautiful. I love my country,” she said.

The Trisome World Games saw 33 countries competing across various sports this year, with South Africa’s team comprising 13 athletes in athletics, swimming, tennis and gymnastics.

The South African athletes received 29 medals, with two world records being set by Engelbrecht and Mienke Janse van Rensburg.

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