Michel soars to world champ status

AS he stepped up to receive the world championship trophy, Durban North resident, Michel Leusch, reflected on his special victory. The former Northwood School pupil recently competed in the Intermediate World Aerobatic Championships (IWAC) in Mossel Bay, where he was crowned world champ.

He became only the second South African to win the prestigious trophy after the late Glen Dell. His victory was made even more special by the fact that the trophy presented to him was donated by the Dell family.

“It’s almost a week later and it still hasn’t hit me yet. I’m on cloud nine, but everything just seems so surreal right now,” said an excited Leusch. Twelve countries with close to 60 competitors took part in the event. Incredibly this was Leusch’s first competitive flight in two years.

“I was reluctant to enter at first and a friend said this was my only chance to get my South African colours. I had no inclination about winning the world champs. But after the first round of scores I was in the lead. I thought it was a mistake at first or a joke. “But I managed to hold on to the lead and the last flight was fun knowing I had won,” said the Durban Wings Club member.

His win also meant that he was awarded his South African colours.

Michel was joined on the podium by fellow teammate, Neville Ferreira, who clinched the bronze medal.

The sport of flight aerobatics has five levels, graduate, sportsman, intermediate, advanced and finally unlimited. Michel’s love for planes started at a young age. His dad, Andre, taught him to fly model planes and full size glider.

“I used to bunk school all the time so that I could come down to Virginia Airport just to watch the planes,” he joked.