POLOKWANE- The 16-year-old Calvin Dias is a young boy like any other – he loves to participate in various sporting disciplines and to spend time with friends.

What sets him apart though, is that he was recently chosen to compete in the Laser Run South African team at the world championships in Bath, UK in August.

Dias, a Gr 11 learner at Curro Heuwelkruin, explains laser run as “the most exciting creation of Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM)”.

“A long time ago it was part of a combined event, but in 2015 it was launched as a stand-alone event and part of the full modern pentathlon competition. Athletes of all ages ranging from seven to 80 can participate and the event can be hosted in the most iconic locations no matter where the participants are.”

According to Dias, laser run combines running and shooting in fast-paced and dynamic races including rounds of laser pistol shooting from five to 10 metres and running laps from 300m to 600m.

Athletes have to hit in the green a target five times before they can run.

Dias started participating in this sport in 2022 and says he was introduced to biathle and triathle in 2019 by the Mpumalanga Modern Pentathlon as he is a swimmer and runner.

Both biathle and triathle is sub-sport of modern pentathlon.

Biathle consists of running and swimming, and thriathle ads laser pistol shooting to the game. Dias first participated in the biathle and triathle and later on decided to try out the laser run.

“Throughout the season there are required leagues that you need to complete to be able to progress to the provincial championships, and there are qualification times that must be reached to compete at the national championships.”

He spends roughly an hour per day practicing shooting. “I always try to get my shoot more consistent and accurate before an event.”

His goal was to come in under 12 minutes even though the Sampa world qualifying time is 12:56.

“I was very happy with the time that I completed the race in. I worked hard this year to be able to qualify, as I just missed the qualifying time last year.”

Dias also takes part in other running events such as athletics and cross country.

“I have a passion for running. During the athletics season I compete in the 800m, 1 500m and 3 000m, and then I wait for the cross-country season.”

He also has an affinity for road races, and has competed in the CDM 4-1, the Polokwane City Marathon and the Muteo Women’s Day race last year.

Asked for a favourite, he says it is difficult.

“If I had to choose, I would say biathle as I competed at the world championship last year in Madeira, Portugal. The road races are also a firm favourite.”