Gawaseb's shattered dreams
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
WINDHOEK
Para-athlete Rudly Gawaseb has been left broken following the cancellation of sport events worldwide.
The athlete said it has been difficult for him since the announcement of the state of emergency and nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Things have been very difficult and stressful for me, because I really thought that this was going to be my year to shine for my country. I am however stuck at home with little movement, because I was chased back home by the cops whenever I wanted to train,” Gawaseb said.
2020 plans dashed
Gawaseb last participated in the annual Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge in George, South Africa, where he ended fourth in February.
He also had plans to participate in the German Grand Prix, as well as many other competitions around the world.
“The truth is, I had a feeling that I was going to do great things for my country this year, but I guess all those plans are now shifted to 2021. “The fact that travelling restrictions around the world have been implemented, I do not see myself going anywhere for the rest of this year.”
Local competitions
Local competitions are hard to come by for Gawaseb because only a handful of Namibians compete in wheelchair racing.
“I do have a few competitors here in Namibia, but we live far from each other and it is not easy staging any competition.
“One of the guys is in Oshakati, while some are here in Windhoek,” Gawaseb said.
Achievements
Having been part of the Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge for the past three years, Gawaseb earned a silver medal in 2017 when he took part alongside Frans Paulus and Matias Kamenya. Gawaseb came second in the T53 21km wheelchair race, while Kamenya came second in the T54 21km.
In February, Gawaseb received a combined sponsorship of N$25 000 from Hollard Namibia and Snyman Transport, which he put to use for his trip to South Africa.
WINDHOEK
Para-athlete Rudly Gawaseb has been left broken following the cancellation of sport events worldwide.
The athlete said it has been difficult for him since the announcement of the state of emergency and nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Things have been very difficult and stressful for me, because I really thought that this was going to be my year to shine for my country. I am however stuck at home with little movement, because I was chased back home by the cops whenever I wanted to train,” Gawaseb said.
2020 plans dashed
Gawaseb last participated in the annual Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge in George, South Africa, where he ended fourth in February.
He also had plans to participate in the German Grand Prix, as well as many other competitions around the world.
“The truth is, I had a feeling that I was going to do great things for my country this year, but I guess all those plans are now shifted to 2021. “The fact that travelling restrictions around the world have been implemented, I do not see myself going anywhere for the rest of this year.”
Local competitions
Local competitions are hard to come by for Gawaseb because only a handful of Namibians compete in wheelchair racing.
“I do have a few competitors here in Namibia, but we live far from each other and it is not easy staging any competition.
“One of the guys is in Oshakati, while some are here in Windhoek,” Gawaseb said.
Achievements
Having been part of the Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge for the past three years, Gawaseb earned a silver medal in 2017 when he took part alongside Frans Paulus and Matias Kamenya. Gawaseb came second in the T53 21km wheelchair race, while Kamenya came second in the T54 21km.
In February, Gawaseb received a combined sponsorship of N$25 000 from Hollard Namibia and Snyman Transport, which he put to use for his trip to South Africa.
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