Local warrior to make history
Amputee Hannes Brits will be taking on the Black Ops category at the next Warrior Race.
“This feels like part of me and my destiny. If I can pull this off I will be opening up a platform where amputees can compete as equals.”
These are the words of Hannes Brits, a local hero from Denlee, who regularly takes part in obstacle course races (OCR) despite having had his left leg amputated.
Aided by crutches and a will that’s bigger than the African sky, Brits only started competing in obstacle course races after he had his leg amputated in November 2010.
Two of his friends encouraged him in 2015 to join them on a Warrior Race and from then on Brits became hooked on achieving the impossible.
In less than two years, Brits has completed seven Warrior Races, made up of five team events and two solo events. It’s an extraordinary feat, considering that it’s a combined total of 80km and 140 obstacles conquered, with one less limb than most attendees.
Having completed the Rookie, which is a beginners 5km race with 15 obstacles and the Commando, which is a 10km race with 22 obstacles, Brits is now setting the bar even higher and is aiming to tackle his first Black Ops category, which comprises of 15km and 30 obstacles.
He, however, needs to raise funds to attend the event and needs about R6 000 to cover all his costs.
If Brits can raise the money in time, he will be the first amputee in the history of the event to compete in the Black Ops race but what makes this even more auspicious, is that this will be his first trip to Cape Town, as well as his first-ever travelling opportunity on an aeroplane.
The event takes place in Meerendal on October 22.
“I am so nervous but excited,” he said.
He puts in hours of training to make sure he can participate in the gruelling events.
His training involves an hour-and-a-half in the morning and then more training later in the day, six times a week, concentrating on endurance and sprint training.
Brits believes that one can never be too old to pursue your dreams and hopes to one day become a motivational speaker.
“I have a real passion for helping people.
“I love representing the physically challenged athletes in the Warrior Race challenges.
“I would also love to speak to the children in schools and orphanages to inspire them for their future success,” he said.
Brits also dreams of getting more amputee athletes into OCR and helping others push their limits.
He lives by the motto “no excuses, no mercy, no giving up!”
“I want the world to know that no matter what obstacle may be in their way, there is always a will to make a way but one needs to still carve that way.
“If we look at a situation and think we can’t, then we won’t, but if we look at it as a challenge and we look for a solution, then we will find the solution and we will ultimately achieve success.
“I am living proof that it is possible and I wish to inspire others to join me and love every moment of the life and blessing that they have been given.
“Be grateful for every moment and make the very best of it,” he said.
The Jeep Warrior Race powered by Reebok is the perfect platform for overcomers and although the Blacks Ops category may not be for the fainthearted, Brits has already defied all the odds and wants to keep exceeding his limits.
What better way than to challenge oneself physically and mentally than with an obstacle course race?
To find out more about the Warrior Race, as well as to enter, visit www.warrior.co.za
To assist Brits realise his dream and make history call him on 076 918 8764 or email to hbrits00@gmail.com
Other articles you may be interested in:
Prosthetic leg will change Hannes’ life
