Down Syndrome athlete flies SA flag

Koos Matsaung (27) recently represented South Africa at the Bauhaus Down Syndrome World Athletics Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.

- Maretha Swanepoel

Born with Down Syndrome, Koos began his athletics career at the age of nine.

"I realised I had talent in sport while I was attending New Horizon Special School. Before the provincial championships, the school held its own athletics and sporting competitions to select athletes for the school team. It was during one of those events that I discovered I was good at athletics," he said.

Koos competes in the 100m, 200m, long jump, shot put and triathlon, which consists of the 100m, long jump and shot put.

He said he was excited when he learned he had been selected to compete in Bulgaria, especially since he would have the opportunity to meet fellow athletes from around the world. "My proudest moment at the championships was qualifying for the long jump final."