Fernando Booysen is headed to the Youth Olympics in Argentina
As for how the people of Springs can best support his son, Dirk says, “By praying and holding thumbs for him to enjoy and to gain valuable exposure from this Olympic experience. “He also would not mind some pocket money.”
Local wrestler Fernando Booysen has been chosen as part of the SA team to go to the Youth Olympics in Argentina.
The 16-year-old wrestler will be in Buenos Aires for the games that start on October 6.
For the Grade 10 Hoërskool Hugenote learner, the chance to participate in the games will be a reward after his hard work.
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The journey to qualification for the games was not an easy one as he not only had to win the 2018 Africa Continental Qualification Tournament, but he also had to overcome injuries and long periods away from home and school.
Booysen started wrestling at the age of eight and has over the past four years participated in competition across Europe in preparation for this moment.
The dedicated athlete is currently in Hungary for a four-week training camp alongside teammate Matthew Bartlett, the Junior National Team from Hungary, USA, as well as Germany as they finalise their preparations for their upcoming world championships.
Booysen will go into the games with plenty of titles to his name.
He has won 23 consecutive South African wrestling titles and was fortunate enough to have won two consecutive African Continental Wrestling Championships, for 2017 and 2018.
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In the games, he will face tough competition in the form of five continental champions from around the world, including the host nation.
His father, Dirk Booysen, is immensely proud of his son.
“I am humbled by his achievement.
“He is honoured, privileged and humbled to be afforded the opportunity to represent the South African wrestling fraternity and his country at this level,” says Dirk about his son.
As for how the people of Springs can best support his son, Dirk says, “By praying and holding thumbs for him to enjoy and to gain valuable exposure from this Olympic experience.
“He also would not mind some pocket money.”
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