Visually impaired triathlete leaves for African Triathlon Championships

Mayberry Park’s visually impaired triathlete, Gavin Kilpatrick, is set to leave for the African Triathlon Championships in Egypt on June 9.

This is after the accomplished international sportsman competed at the 2021 South African National Triathlon Championships held in Bloemfontein in March.

During his tour, he will be guided by Casper Moodie who has competed as an elite triathlete and cyclist on many occasions with great success.

The whole journey

Moodie has represented the country on multiple occasions around the world before moving up to the longer distances.

As with most successful sportsmen and women, his success began with a life-changing decision.

“As I approached the end of my high school career, I had to make a change in my lifestyle as a 105kg teenager. I knew it would not get me very far when entering the big wide world of sport as sport is my life. My journey began with cycling and triathlon, which I fell in love with very quickly,” said Moodie.

He lost an incredible 35kg and with that, he achieved many goals including second overall at SA Triathlon Championships 2015.

Kilpatrick told the RECORD that sport has been an integral part of his development in life.

“My sporting background as a paralympic track cyclist and world championship rower have been the cornerstone of my transition into the endurance-based discipline of Triathlon. My dream is to encourage people from all walks of life to take up the challenge whatever it may be,” he said.

Where to now

With knowledge in the sport and collectively over 20 years competing all over the world, Moodie said he appreciates the opportunity of guiding Kilpatrick.

“I feel like this is a special way for me to give back to the sport that I love, and what better way than to be Gavin’s guide. I’m looking forward to starting this journey to accumulate world ranking points towards aspirations of qualifying and competing at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022,” said Moodie.

Kilpatrick thanked Moodie for agreeing to be his eyes and guide in Egypt and everyone else who contributed towards making his journey possible.