Nine-year-old Karlo Marais from Curro Langebaan has made his hometown proud after delivering outstanding performances at the South African National Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run Championships, held in Pietermaritzburg from Thursday 2 to Saturday 4 July.

Marais competed as part of the Western Cape team in the boys’ u-11 category, where he produced an exceptional display of skill, endurance and determination, returning home with four medals. His achievements included two gold medals in the Triathle events and two silver medals in the Laser Run and Biathle events.

Marais’s medal results were:

Gold – Triathle (2 min 36 sec): 5 m laser shooting, 300 m run × 2 and 50 m swim

Silver – Laser Run

Gold – Triathle (3 min 36 sec): 5 m laser shooting and 300 m run × 2

Silver – Biathle (3 min 56 sec): 400 m run, 50 m swim and 400 m run

The young athlete’s success is the result of months of hard work, perseverance and dedication. During the season, Marais achieved three qualifying times to earn his place at the nationals.

Adding to an already remarkable achievement, Marais was selected to represent South Africa at the World Championships in Madeira, Portugal, in October.

Langebaan is celebrating the success of this young athlete, who, at only nine years old, has already shown that commitment and determination can turn dreams into reality.

His achievement also highlights the excellent coaching and support behind his success, including the efforts of Curro swim coach Paolo Gabriel and Langebaan Strandlopers running and shooting coach Clive Cupido.

The community wishes Marais every success as he prepares for the World Championships and looks forward to following his journey on the international stage.