Reaoleboga James, 22, from a small village in the North West called Atamelang, close to Delareyville, has brought a silver medal from Germany in swimming.
In June, he represented South Africa at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany.
However, it has not been a bed of roses for Reaoleboga, as he says his life has always been challenging.
When he was an 18-month-old toddler, he was involved in a car accident. He spent much time in the hospital because his head was severely injured.
After he was discharged from the hospital, he could not join any sporting activities from a young age because of his health issues.
He started school at Laerskool Ottosdal. In grade 4, he was recommended to attend E.S. LE Granse in Potchefstroom, a special school more than 200km from his home village of Atamelang. He saw a special doctor at his new school who helped him with his health problems.
Reaoleboga was introduced to sports at E.S. LE Granse in 2011, and he participated in all the sporting activities offered at his school but did not begin to take swimming as a sport until 2012.
Two years later, the school principal asked Reaoleboga to choose between other sporting activities and swimming since he excelled in the latter sports. Since he performed better in swimming, Reaoleboga focused on spending more time in the water.
He has represented North West in the national team since 2018, and this year he represented North West at the Special Olympics World Games held in Germany as a member of Team South Africa.
Reaoleboga's first medal was a bronze he received in 2019 at the South African Schools' Competition. He qualified to represent North West at the Cape Town competition 2020, which did not occur due to the Covid-19 pandemic when there was a national lockdown.
“It was challenging since I was fit before COVID-19, but I lost my motivation and began to give up on my profession. However, my coach inspired me and helped me regain shape,” said Reaoleboga.
Reaoleboga said things that have hampered his career the most were his background, where he had difficulties like a lack of finance and not having the necessary tools, such as a swimming pool nearby for him to practice in.
“Despite the difficulties I have had throughout my career, I am thankful for being an athlete because it keeps me healthy and away from drugs and alcohol," he said.
In a short career, Reaoleboga has won three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals at the South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA-II) swimming competition held in Rustenburg earlier this year.
In June, he competed in Germany and scooped a silver medal, and he was placed sixth in the 100-metre backstroke and fifth in the medley relay.
"My ability to represent North West in several provinces even without a sponsor has been one of my biggest accomplishments. The highlight was being selected to represent South Africa in Germany at the selection competition held in Limpopo,” he said.
"What makes me unusual is that I enjoy sports and athletics and consistently succeed despite obstacles. As a result, I rely on one shop owner in Delareyville, Mrs Roberto, who assists me on many occasions with donations on rare occasions for sponsorship,” he continued.
Reaoleboga believes that a swimmer's most significant ability is to exercise regularly while avoiding food detrimental to their bodies.
He said people should know they can build a profession from sports and athletics. He adviced young people who wish to pursue a career in sports and athletics to persevere in the face of adversity.
