From Delft to Namibia: Theodore Barnes shines at the Special Olympics
Image: supplied
'You have to lose to win.
Those are the words of 21-year-old Theodore Barnes from Delft, who represented South Africa at the Special Olympics Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia, where he claimed second place in the 100 metres and fourth in the 200 metres.
Barnes was one of 12 Team SA athletes competing in the Special Olympics category.
Barnes is no stranger to the competitive track, in 2022, while being a learner at Be-EL School in Kuils River, he was also selected to be part of the Special Olympics held in Limpopo and came back home with gold.
This time around, Barnes, who coached and trained himself, thanks to the support and love from his family, achieved second place in the 100 metres and fourth in the 200 metres.
Theodore Barnes of Delft was welcomed home by his family. pic supplied Theodore Barnes of Delft was welcomed home by his family. pic supplied
Image: supplied
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He is already wanting to prepare for the 2026 games, perfecting the sports craft and finding ways to improve. He is appealing for a coach and a club to belong to.
'I am just tired, it was an amazing experience for me,' said Barnes who returned home on Saturday and received a hero's welcome from his family, who were armed with banners and a celebratory gathering with cake and tea.
'I actually prepared myself mentally and physically.
I am training myself at the moment, I do not have a coach.
'It was such a wild experience and it felt different, you have to lose to win.
'I also want to improve on where i can
'I trained three times a week.
'I am keen to participate again.
I did coaching for rugby.
'I want to thank my mother and sisters, they were biggest supporters
'I am going to join a club to prepare myself for the games.'
Barnes' sister, Zudith Parish said they were proud of his achievements.
'We are trying to get sponsors for his training and he is keen to have a coach and join a club as there are none in Delft and we have to consider the transport.'
What makes Barnes even more special is that he is an avid and dedicated sportsman who has done coaching in rugby and is a runner, swimmer and soccer player and has ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which he does not let stand in his way.
Earlier, the Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie said he wished Barnes well. 'He is a true example of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and belief. Sport has the power to bring hope and joy to our communities and he is spreading that hope to others. He is a true role model for other athletes.'
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