Glenashley’s Henk triumphs at World Transplant Games
Henk Goris' impressive performances saw him win silver in the 10km individual time trial in his age category (18-29) and another silver in the 30km road race also in his age category.
GLENASHLEY resident, Henk Goris had a World Transplant Games (WTG) games to remember this year winning two silver medals for South Africa.
The 28-year-old organ transplant recipient competed in three cycling events at the WTG which was held in Newcastle Gateshead in the UK.
His impressive performances saw him win silver in the 10km individual time trial in his age category (18-29) and another silver in the 30km road race also in his age category.
Goris was also part of the SA team’s time trial cycling event helping the team finish seventh.
Goris, who made his WTG debut in Malaga, Spain in 2017, said he went into this year’s event with the goal of bettering his previous bronze medal.
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“Two years ago in Spain I won bronze in the 30km road race in an extremely competitive race and I think that experience helped me prepare better for this year’s World Transplant Games. Of course I wanted to win gold but winning two silver medals was still a great achievement. It just goes to show that hard work pays off. I’ve been training since the last games on bettering my results my coach, who was fantastic, worked on a strict training programme which helped me ready myself for the challenge. In the lead-up to the games I’d also competed in a number of local cycling races to gain as much experience as possible,” the triumphant athlete said.
The former Virginia Preparatory School learner, said he is already formulating a training schedule for the next world transplant games in two years time where he will move into another age category.
Goris said his performances in the UK was a way to honour his donor.
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“The camaraderie and spirit of the games was just fantastic and all the athletes competing are ambassadors for the value of organ donation and we in turn give hope to people on transplant waiting lists. Winning the two silver medals means the world for me and my family. It was a way for me to honour my donor for giving me a second chance in life. All the athletes at the games owe their lives to their organ donors,” he said.
If you would like to become an organ donor or find out more visit www.odf.org.za
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