Born and raised in Humansdorp, Jaco Smit’s journey to Paralympic athlete is a testament to resilience and resolve in the face of adversity.
Smit attended Graslaagte Primary School and later Humansdorp Secondary School, and from a young age had to learn to navigate his way through life’s numerous challenges.
As he is visually impaired, Smit struggled to read small print, and school life was made even more difficult for him as his disability led to bullying by his peers. However, he refused to let these obstacles define him because, despite the difficulties, Smit’s talent, single-minded determination, and passion for sports, always carried him through challenging times.
From participating in cricket to rugby to athletics, Smit’s dream of one day representing his country was the driving force behind his tenacity and refusal to give up, even though financial constraints have also posed a significant hurdle. It wasn’t until the 2013 season that Smit made a pivotal decision to transition to Para athletics.
Qualifying for the national championships in Cape Town marked a significant milestone in his athletics career. Starting as a long-distance athlete, a discipline he’s honed since his school days, Smit’s commitment and hard work paid off when he made his debut at the South African Para Athletics National Championships in 2014. From there, his journey soared to new heights.
“In 2015 I was still specialising in the 800m and 1500m events, and started running the 400m just for fun. It was at the 2016 SA National Championships that I planned to use the 400m event as a warm-up for the 800m to qualify for the Paralympic Games. I was ready and prepared for the 800m, but an hour before the race I found out that this event was not listed anymore at the Paralympic Games. Therefore, I had to make a complete last-minute mind shift in order to put all of my efforts into the 400m event. However, even though I was not fully-prepared, I won a bronze medal,” said Smit.
Currently the undisputed champion in the T12 category (partially sighted) 400m event, and multi-time champion in the 100m, Smit also participates in the 200m event.
Representing South Africa at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai in 2019 was a dream come true, showcasing his talent on the world stage. He has also competed in international competitions in various countries in Europe, and the UK.
Now, 10 years later, Smit’s ultimate dream has materialised as he has qualified for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
Smit trains at the Eastern Cape Academy of Sport, which works closely with NMU, in Gqberha.
Upholding his athletics career has become a lifestyle and, throughout the years, the support that he’s received from friends, coaches, and family members has sustained him. Amongst all the medals and trophies he’s won, none shine as brightly as the people who helped him attain his dream.
The Westbourne Oval in Richmond Hill holds many precious memories for Smit, and previous coach and close friend, Bennie Stadler, who lives in the suburb, still helps him with general administration, budgets, and international travel plans. Stadler coached Smit during his first few years when he still competed in the 800m and 1500m middle-distance events.
“Bennie is a father figure in my life. He is my friend, my social worker, my administrator, and my psychologist, all in one. I have always been able to turn to Bennie and his family for support and advice, and love visiting them in Richmond Hill and walking their dog with them in Richmond Hill Park.”
Smit believes in giving back to his community. He did work for Retina South Africa, a service provider for the visually impaired, until they closed their doors in Gqeberha. Motivating young people is also something he loves to do.
For Smit, the road to the Paralympics has been paved with setbacks, but also many triumphs. His journey serves as an inspiration to all, a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering belief in oneself.
As he prepares to represent his country on the global stage this month, Smit’s story reminds us that with dedication and resilience, anything is possible.
His motto, which he lives by daily, reflects his belief in hard work.
“Successful people never back down from hard work. As a matter of fact, they are always searching for it.”
