Uvongo’s triathlete preps for world champs
Teen triathlete from Uvongo needs help to fly SA flag high in Australia.
Uvongo’s Oli Delport is gearing up to represent South Africa on the world stage in Wollongong, Australia this October.
For Delport it’s been a culmination of a sporting journey that started with an off-road triathlon win in Grade 1.
Now in matric at Sheppie High, he balances early-morning runs along St Mike’s Beach, with cycle training in Oribi’s sugar cane fields.
Locals might spot him pounding the pavements before school, as he prepares for the World Triathlon Championships.
Delport’s sporting journey has been impressive from the start. After claiming victory at his first triathlon, the X Terra in Grade 1, he quickly established himself as an all-rounder, excelling in cricket, cross country, rugby, and swimming through primary school.
He captained rugby teams, made district sides and was named player of the year in Grade 7.
In Grade 8, Delport committed to triathlon full-time.
Over the last seven years he has competed widely, first representing the North West, and since 2023, KwaZulu-Natal. That same year, he clinched the South African Championship title in Nelson Mandela Bay.
This year has seen Delport clock some of his best results yet. He started the season with a second place finish at the Blue Lagoon Sprint Triathlon in Langebaan, won his next race at the Vaal River, and placed third at the SA Junior Men Sprint Championships in Benoni. He then raced in Namibia’s African Cup Series – where despite colliding with a tourist who stepped into the road during the cycle leg – he pushed through to claim sixth place.
The season wrapped up at the African Championships in Nelson Mandela Bay on April 5, where Delport delivered a personal best of 59:51 to secure a top-five finish.
Much of Delport’s success is thanks to his strong swimming, guided by his coach Mandy Koegelenberg of Blue Ocean Aquatics.
“Mandy has played a huge role in getting his swim where it needs to be,” says his mom, Kirsty.
Anyone who can help Delport with flights, accommodation, race fees and gear can go to www.backabuddy.co.za to support him, or contact Kirsty on 082 6538426.
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