COMPETITIVE shooter, Rhyno van Zyl (14), has dreams of one day representing South Africa at the Olympic Games.
Proud coach, Deon Vermaak, believes with a hundred per cent certainty that, with the talent this Pionier learner has shown, his dream can be a reality.
“Rhyno has shown such incredible potential. I have worked with a number of youngsters and I believe that if he consistently performs the way he has, he can reach the Olympics in the next four to six years. He is one of the best and you don’t get someone of his talent around every corner,” said Mr Vermaak.
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Within his first year of taking up the sport, Rhyno had already obtained his KZN colours. It is astonishing to know that prior to 2017 he had never handled an air rifle before.
Describing his first practice session, Rhyno says, “A friend invited me to a practice session at school last year. When I got there, I was instructed to lie next to my friend in ‘prone’ position . The coach talked me through how to get ‘in the zone’ by breathing, focusing, and remembering not to look up but to keep the target in my sights. I was shooting at a target about 10m away. When I hit the target, I was surprised and I also felt really proud. I just fell in love with the sport.”
Since then, Rhyno has practiced every day and has never missed a practice session.
“I enjoy the challenge and the competition. It is a very interesting sport but it is also very expensive and it is very challenging. I have had to work very hard at it.”
Rhyno has obtained gold in numerous provincial and inter-provincial tournaments.
His most recent accomplishment is winning second place in the national open shooting league held in Bloemfontein.
“Most of the competitors in the Bloemfontein league were under 21’s. For a 14-year old to come second and finding himself in the SA team is really impressive,” added Mr Vermaak.
The top three shooters in the Bloemfontein league were selected to join the South African team in the UK, for an international competition, an opportunity which Rhyno enthusiastically describes as, “the biggest in my life.”
“I never dreamed that an opportunity like this would present itself to my son,” said Rhyno’s beaming mum, Estie. “I am so very, very proud. At each and every competition he has competed in, he has exceeded his previous personal best. He is constantly doing better and better.”
Casting a shadow on what is otherwise a bright, jubilant occasion, is the financial obstacle which Rhyno and his mum now seek to overcome in order for him to realize his dreams.
They must raise R50 000 to cover the costs that will enable Rhyno to compete as part of the SA team in the UK (including passports, visa, clothing and pocket money).
“I know my son and the type of person he is. I just know that if he has this opportunity, he will plough all that knowledge he gains to promote the sport when he gets back into Vryheid, and to help others improve their proficiency as a shooter. As a widow and a single mum, I will not be able to afford it. It is difficult for me to ask for help, but for my son to have this opportunity, I would like to appeal to businesses, individuals and anyone who has a love for the sport to make a contribution toward the cost,” said Estie.
The UK competition takes place from July 30 till August 14. Anyone who would like to make a contribution towards the costs can contact Estie on 073 479 0313 for a copy of the donation form and banking details for the SANSSU (the South African National School Shooters Union) account for Rhyno.
“I would like to offer a word of thanks to everyone who supported us and to each and every one who has an input in Rhyno’s life to make it possible for him to reach this far,” concluded Estie.
