The talent that Hermanus produces has no equal . . .
Not only does this coastal town boast a world champion in body surfing and a world-class BMX rider, but now it is also proud to announce that a well-known family represented South Africa at the UIPM Laser Run World Championship in Bath, England.
Dr Japie Grové, an opthalmologist at Hermanus Medical Village, and his two sons Hannes (16) and Daniël (14), both learners at Hermanus High School, gave a good account of themselves, with Grové senior winning a gold medal in the relay (alongside Mariska Haasbroek from George) and a bronze medal in the individual race for masters over 40 years.
Daniël was also the world champion in the relay event (with Tatiana Tomatos from Cape Town) and came fifth in the individual race for u-15s. Hannes also had excellent results and came fifth in the relay and 16th in the individual competition for u-17s.
“Although not such a well-known sport in this country, South Africa had excellent results with the third-most medals after Egypt and Great Britain,” Japie said.
“The championship took place in August with 560 athletes representing 33 countries.”
He said Laser Run consists of middle-distance running combined with Laser Pistol Shooting which, as a sport on its own (with representation at the Olympics), was the final event in the pentathlon.
The Pentathlon is a combination of an obstacle course event, swimming, fencing and then laser run.
