Former Kruinie excels at UIPM World Champs
Calvin Dias delivered strong performances at the UIPM World Championships in Mossel Bay, battling tonsillitis to help his team win a gold medal.
POLOKWANE – Former Curro Heuwelkruin learner Calvin Dias proved that determination can overcome adversity when he recently delivered an impressive performance at the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run World Championships, despite battling a severe case of tonsillitis.
Dias competed in the championships hosted in Mossel Bay in December and managed to deliver strong performances in every event he completed. He explained that his illness started just days before the competition.
“I drove down to Mossel Bay a few days early to rest after the long trip. About four days before the opening ceremony, I started feeling ill. I considered withdrawing, but decided to push through and give it my best,” he said.
His first race, the biathle individual, did not go according to plan, and he finished 14th. Dias has been involved in the sport since 2022, after being introduced to biathle and triathle in 2019 through the Mpumalanga Modern Pentathlon, building on his background as a swimmer and runner.
The championships’ opening ceremony, held at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, was a highlight for him.
“It was exciting to represent South Africa, and being chosen as a flagbearer was a huge honour, as only two athletes per country are selected,” he said.
Dias went on to compete in the triathle, where Team South Africa earned a gold medal. Individually, he ended seventh in the junior men’s category, competing against older athletes.
The laser run events followed, with mixed outcomes. Dias was unable to compete in the relay after his partner was disqualified for shooting the wrong target. In the individual laser run on the final day, challenging wind conditions and running on sand tested the athletes. Dias finished as the third South African and secured sixth place overall.
“A ritual helps me stay calm,” he said. “At the starting line, I pray. The last few seconds before the start are always intense.”
Currently studying towards a B.Com law degree, Dias also runs a running club and coaches athletes. Looking ahead, he hopes to take up road cycling and qualify for the African Championships later this year.
