Paralympians take centre stage

The countdown to the Paralympic Games is over as the competition kicks off today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.The nine Namibian athletes that have made it to the world showpiece will be seen in action from Thursday in track-and-field events, powerlifting and swimming.Namibia’s medal hopes are on flag-bearer Johanna Benson, power lifter Ruben Soroseb and the world championship gold medallist Johannes Nambala.Nambala won the men’s 200m T13 world title in both 2013 and 2015 and will be aiming to become the first male athlete representing Namibia to win Paralympic gold.Ananias Shikongo, who won three gold medals at the All-Africa Games last year, is also eyeing a medal as he makes his first appearance at the Paralympic Games.The guides have also prepared well and are optimistic that their athletes will give it their best shot.Speaking to Namibian Sun from Brazil, Lahja Ishitile’s guide David Ndeilenga said they are in top form.“We are looking forward to the games since it’s our first Olympics,” he said, adding that training is going well and they have no complaints so far.On the second day of the competition, Nambala will also be in action for the 100m heats.“So far all is good and am in good shape, just waiting to step onto the track and give it my level best,” said the confident Nambala.The president of Disability Sports Namibia (DSN), Charles Nyambe, has called on the athletes to give it their best shot.“Paralympic athletes have been doing well but we do not want them to relieve the past glory but to put up a new competitive attitude and know that the other athletes that they are meeting there have prepared just like they,” he said.He said the Namibian athletes need to be competitive and he is optimistic that they will do the country proud.Namibia is represented by nine athletes with four guides.They are Johanna Benson, who won Namibia’s first ever gold medal at the Paralympic Games four years ago in London; Johannes Nambala, the current T13 200m world champion; T11 athlete Ananias Shikongo, who won three gold medals at last year’s All Africa Games; and T11 athlete Lahja Ishitile, who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.Other athletes are Martin Aloysius (T12 - 400m), Elias Ndimulunde (T46 - 100m, 400m), Moses Tobias (T11 - 100m, 400m), power lifter Ruben Soroseb and swimmer Gideon Nasilowski.The four guides are Sam Shimanda, David Ndeilenga, Even Tjiviju and Andre Oberholster.KAINO NGHITONGO

Paralympians take centre stage

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-26

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Paralympians take centre stage

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-26

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