Benade rises above the storms
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
WINDHOEK
Pride of Rehoboth Reginald Benade is committed to rise above the storms of life after overcoming the worst time of his life 23 years ago.
On 26 March 1997, a motorcycle accident changed the life of Namibia's decathlon record holder, resulting in cerebral palsy, a permanent movement disorder. Born in 1974 at Rehoboth, Benade has been an inspiration to many for refusing to give up when the going gets tough. After the accident which nearly robbed Benade of his life, the Paralympic F35/36 discus and shot-put athlete became Namibia's first Paralympic medallist in 2008, winning bronze in Beijing, China.
“I gave myself a second chance at life by becoming a Para-athlete after the accident and it has really changed my life.
“I consider myself to be like Frankie Fredericks because just like he won Namibia's first Olympic medal for able-bodied athletes, I won the country's first Paralympic medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008,” Benade reminisced.
It is a moment the athlete said he will cherish forever, despite winning other medals in various competitions since he became a Paralympian.
Still the best
A year before his tragic accident, Benade broke the decathlon record, which stands to this day.
“In 1996, I made history by breaking the national decathlon record. “It is something I am proud of and will also be grateful for my entire existence.”
Current situation
The athlete currently lives at Rehoboth and still continues to train hard, despite numerous injuries.
He said he is looking forward to 2021, given that this year has been shrouded in uncertainty by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am still battling a few injuries but I remain strong and still do some light training.
“All I want to continue doing is to push harder and compete at the highest level.”
WINDHOEK
Pride of Rehoboth Reginald Benade is committed to rise above the storms of life after overcoming the worst time of his life 23 years ago.
On 26 March 1997, a motorcycle accident changed the life of Namibia's decathlon record holder, resulting in cerebral palsy, a permanent movement disorder. Born in 1974 at Rehoboth, Benade has been an inspiration to many for refusing to give up when the going gets tough. After the accident which nearly robbed Benade of his life, the Paralympic F35/36 discus and shot-put athlete became Namibia's first Paralympic medallist in 2008, winning bronze in Beijing, China.
“I gave myself a second chance at life by becoming a Para-athlete after the accident and it has really changed my life.
“I consider myself to be like Frankie Fredericks because just like he won Namibia's first Olympic medal for able-bodied athletes, I won the country's first Paralympic medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008,” Benade reminisced.
It is a moment the athlete said he will cherish forever, despite winning other medals in various competitions since he became a Paralympian.
Still the best
A year before his tragic accident, Benade broke the decathlon record, which stands to this day.
“In 1996, I made history by breaking the national decathlon record. “It is something I am proud of and will also be grateful for my entire existence.”
Current situation
The athlete currently lives at Rehoboth and still continues to train hard, despite numerous injuries.
He said he is looking forward to 2021, given that this year has been shrouded in uncertainty by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am still battling a few injuries but I remain strong and still do some light training.
“All I want to continue doing is to push harder and compete at the highest level.”
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article