Speed skater an unstoppable force

In a sport such as speed skating, it’s not uncommon to see athletes pushing themselves to the limit, driven by a fierce competitive spirit.

But for Shane Bentley, a Special Olympics speed skater from the West Rand, the journey to the top is about more than just winning medals – it’s about overcoming incredible challenges and inspiring others along the way.

Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating in which the competitors race each other by travelling a certain distance on skates.

Bentley is among the six talented athletes who are selected to represent South Africa in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, on March 8. His journey began in 2015 after a knee injury forced him to trade in his figure skates for a new pair of blades.

Under the guidance of coach Victor Vezi, Shane quickly discovered a natural talent for speed skating, and his dedication and perseverance earned him a spot on the South African team for the 2017 Special Olympics Winter Games in Graz, Austria.

This experience was a defining moment for Shane, who brought home a silver medal in the 500m event and a bronze medal in the 333m. Most importantly, it sparked a fire within him that has driven him to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Despite facing unique challenges as a Special Olympics athlete, he refused to let his intellectual disability hold him back. Instead, he’s used it as fuel to drive his passion for speed skating and to inspire others to do the same.

Victor shared that Shane is such a humble individual, and when he puts his mind to something, he is determined to achieve it.

“He’s a true champion, both on and off the ice. As the athletes prepare for their big competition, they will not only be carrying the hopes and dreams of children with disabilities in South Africa; they will be sending a strong message to the world that no matter what challenges we face, we all have the power to achieve greatness,” Victor said.