Chinedu Amadi blazes a trail in rugby and athletics
With unwavering focus and a drive that pushes him beyond the ordinary, Chinedu is carving out a legacy both on the rugby field and in athletics.
When you think of a well-rounded athlete, the name Chinedu Amadi springs to mind.
A learner at King Edward VII School, Chinedu excels in rugby and athletics, driven by his passion for sports and an unwavering desire for self-improvement. His journey began when he was just five years old when he joined the Raga Kids programme. “My passion for rugby grew from there,” he recalled. Since then, he’s played in the prestigious Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week, gaining recognition for his skills.
Rugby isn’t his only love – he also shines in athletics, particularly shot put. He started in Grade 3 to stay active during rugby’s off-season but quickly found it mentally rewarding. “In athletics, it’s just you. I motivate myself when I’m not having the best throwing day. No one else can do it for me.” His dedication paid off this year when he earned full colours in the shot put and a silver medal at the Gauteng Championships with a personal best throw of 17.40m.
To manage both sports, he follows a strict training regimen. “I attend school training sessions and spend a lot of time at the high-performance centre.” Whether improving his shot put technique or sharpening his rugby skills, he remains focused on beating his records. “In shot put, I aim to break my previous distance. In rugby, I remind myself that you have to train like the best to be the best.”
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Chinedu credits his development to his coaches. “Mr Sheldon de Robillard and Mr Marco Engelbrecht have helped me so much in rugby, and Mr Paul Kruger has refined my shot-put technique.” Now, he can pinpoint his mistakes in real-time, a sign of his growth as an athlete.
Looking ahead, Chinedu has clear goals. He aims for Craven Week in rugby and hopes to make the South African U18 team next year. In athletics, he’s aiming for gold at the Gauteng Champs.
Chinedu’s unwavering focus, humility, and ambition make him a rising star in rugby and athletics. His journey from a five-year-old rugby enthusiast to a dual-sport achiever is inspiring. With his eyes set firmly on the future, there’s no doubt that he will continue to make waves in South African sports.
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