A son of the soil from a farm near Hankey in the picturescque Gamtoos Valley, is their brightest and fastest export product.
Bryan Katoo (18) returned on Tuesday from Lima in Peru with a silver medal. He participated in the U/20 4x400m at the World Championships. He also took part in the 400m heat and came fourth.
He is overwhelmed by all the attention and praise but remains the humble and friendly deputy head boy of Nico Malan High School in Humansdorp. In a message to his friends and the community, he did not shy away from his religion.
“First, I just want to say thank you to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I really want to thank each and everyone supporting me through this season. Our group has worked really hard to get where we are today. Oom Jannie has laughed with me many times and cried with me many times,” Bryan said.
“It wasn’t Bryan Katoo that was running, it was Stulting, Nico Malan, Kouga, the Eastern Cape that won that medal. If I could choose to grow up in another province with the best facilities, I would still choose the Eastern Cape because the amount of love and support I’ve received is more expensive than any bursary or deal. I really love you people; without you I wouldn’t have been in this position.”
On his return to the Eastern Cape, he was welcomed by fellow athletes from his school, teachers and parents.
He was accompanied to Peru by his father, Khaya, and his coach of seven years, Jannie van Niekerk.
“I of course aimed for gold, but I am truly satisfied to have ended off the season like this. This silver medal is by far the best in my collection,” says Bryan. He participated internationally for the first time last year, but says these championships were way bigger and better with much more pressure,” he says.
From the beginning of his athletics journey, he excelled. By Grade 4, he was competing at the national level, and in Grade 9, he won his first South African bronze medal in the 200m U/16 sprint in 2022.
Bryan Katoo is impressed by the international athletes – the way they operate and prepare – and enjoys the interaction amongst them. He made friends with athletes from countries such as Japan and Jamaica.
“I appreciate my coach. People only see the athlete, and not the coach. But he is precious. He takes a lot of stress. I am grateful for having a wonderful coach. I also appreciate my parents. My mom called me every day, and my dad was there! I hope to repay them one day.”
Proud dad, Khaya Katoo, said with a broad smile, they thanked everyone who cheered and supported his dedicated son to do what he loves.
“Just to have reached World Champs is an achievement for anyone. With so much pressure preparing for this stage, and school- work – we salute this child!”
Mom Crewelyn is beaming with pride and will spoil her son with special home-cooked meals now that he is back home, especially his favourite, chicken curry.
Bryan will now rest for two weeks and will complete his matric year. He would like to study for a B.Com degree or Accounting, and then to go back to his roots to farm in Hankey.
