Six athletes from Paul Roos Gymnasium delivered exceptional performances during the XTERRA South Africa event held at the scenic Elgin-Grabouw Country Club last month.
Competing in the demanding off-road triathlon format, which combines open-water swimming, mountain biking and trail running. all six PRG athletes finished within the top 10 of their respective categories, with a podium and near-podium finishes.
In the Youth A category, Charl Whitehead claimed an outstanding second place finish, followed by Daniel Lutz in fourth place and Michiel Vreken in fifth. In the Youth B category, Niel du Bois secured fourth place, with Ruhann Slabber finishing fifth and Nico de Nysschen close behind in sixth place.
This top-tier finishes not only highlight the local athletes’ abilities but also their determination, resilience and sportsmanship. The outstanding results have earned the athletes more than just local recognition. Five of the competitors have qualified for the prestigious XTERRA Youth World Championship, which will be held in Ruidoso, New Mexico in October.
The 2026 championship will be a landmark occasion for the sport, as Ruidoso will become only the third location to host the global event that also marks the 30th anniversary of XTERRA since its origins in the Hawaiian island of Maui in 1996. The event offers young competitors a rare opportunity to compete alongside elite champions.
Now in its third year, the XTERRA Youth Tour, which feeds into the world championship, has quickly become a vital platform for developing emerging talent. Designed for athletes aged 14 to 19, the initiative aims to nurture the next generation of off-road triathletes by providing international exposure and high-level competition experience.
The achievement has sparked pride within PRG and broader community, underscoring the school’s strong sporting tradition. As these young athletes prepare to represent South Africa abroad, they carry with them not only personal ambition but also the hopes of a nation eager to see them succeed on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
With talent, discipline and momentum on their side, the PRG contingent is poised to make a powerful impression in New Mexico, and to continue building a legacy of excellence in off-road triathlon.
You must be logged in to post a comment.