Boere-Kiwi destined for greatness

VEREENIGING. – With dual citizenship, the world is Ethan Olivier’s oyster.
Ethan, a 17-year-old student at High School Overvaal in Vereeniging, is the local triple jump sensation.
For the first five years of his life, he stayed in the East Auckland suburb of Pakuranga before his parents decided to return to the country of their birth after the death of a family member.
Ethan recently proved that he is destined for greatness after he finished fourth at the World u/20 Athletics Championship in Cali, Columbia.
Born in Auckland in New Zeeland in 2005 this youngster was approached after the South African High Schools Athletics Championships to compete for his country of birth.
It was his first international competition but he came through in fine style finishing fourth with a jump of 16,04m, breaking the SA u/18 triple jump record as well as the New Zealand u/17, u/18, u/19, and u/20 record.
It was also the second-best jump for u/18 in the world.
His personal best jump of 16.12m was recorded this year at SASA Championships.
His secret to success is based on hard work and dedication, training six times a week and reducing his daily stress.
“I don’t stress prematurely, so I don’t have a routine for preventing stress, however, I do always try to listen to music while warming up,” says Ethan.
His father Wikus (54) who is also his coach keeps a close eye on his training, but lets the towering youngster eat what he wants.
“I follow a strict training program set up by my coach, but I eat whatever I want with no restrictions. My favourite foods are pizza, chips and fried foods.”
Wikus is a former South African triple jump record-holder with a best of 16.89m set in 1994. He also finished 11th at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
“My dad is my role model. He is very technical and notices the small flaws in your technique” Ethan professes.
His older sibling Welre (19) is also an accomplished triple jumper for the University of Northern Colorado who paved the way for his younger sibling to follow in his footsteps.
According to this strong-willed youngster, he is determined to one day compete at the Olympics and the World Championships.
With such an impressive resumé and without the fear of contradiction it is safe to assume that it is only a matter of time. And time is something he has because in 2024 he will still be eligible to compete at the u/20 Championships in Lima, Peru. There can be no doubt that this young man has a bright future ahead of him.