South Africa’s two-time Paralympian Nicolas Pieter Du Preez had an “incredible” 2023in both Para cycling and Para athletics. He competed at the World Championships in both sports, won medals and set records, and travelled to Japan where he won the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon for his seventh straight appearance.
While Paris 2024 is the biggest sporting event on his calendar this year, Du Preez’s hopes and ambitions for 2024 go beyond chasing medals in France. He wants to create a positive impact on the people around him on his journey to Paris and embrace the moments he spends with his family.
Du Preez, who has limited muscle function as a result of anaccident when he was 23, made his Paralympic debut in Para athletics at London 2012. At Tokyo 2020, he won the gold medal in the men’s time trial H1 race.
As we startthe Paralympic year, Du Preez, who works as an actuarial analyst at Deloitte South Africa, describes his goals for 2024 and what he looks forward to at the Games.
Nicolas Pieter Du Preez:
In 2023, I had a really incredible year in both Para cycling and Para athletics, reaching the teams to compete at both the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and the Paris 2023 Para Athletics World Championships. On the bike, I became the world champion for the sixth time, which is always very special to put on the rainbow jersey and I did this only three weeks after competing in the sprints at the Para athletic Worlds. So, my coach and I managed to do things right.
On the athletics side, despite being an endurance athlete, I managed to reach the finals in the men’s 100m and 200m T51 at the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris, where I finished eighth and seventh, respectively, and achieved performance standard times for both events at the Paralympics.
Giving back to sports in 2024
Obviously, the Paralympics are in Paris this year, so there will be much focus on the Games and continuing to do things the right way so I can be the best version of myself for the Games.
But for me, my true resolution for 2024 will be to make sure that I live every day to the fullest and try making it purposeful so I can hopefully impact those around me in the best way possible, as I continue my journey to Paris 2024.
I want to focus more on starting to give back and help grow the sport I am so passionate about in our country, which has so much talent. I have seen firsthand how getting newly injured people and kids in sports can change lives.
It’s time for me to see how much I can help and give back to generate hope in our country and whoever comes across in my journey!
As a parent
My son is now 6 years old and going to first grade in school this year. He watches his mum and dad every day more and more as he grows up. So, it is important to be the best example we can be for him. I am losing my eyesight due to a degenerative eye disease, so it is important for me to prioritise watching my son grow into his own journey with sports, culture, arts, and school while I’m still lucky enough to have decent sight to enjoy these things with him.
I also hope the setup at the Games will allow him to be a part of the team as he always is – in every race and every training session. This will make the experience extra meaningful, now that he is at the age when he will remember these things. Maybe one day, he can use what he learned through these experiences to make meaningful impact himself. All of these are very important to me in 2024.
Spotlight on Paris 2024
At Paris 2024, it would be amazing if I can manage to make the team and proudly compete for my country in both Para cycling and Para athletics. That would be incredibly special for me.
Of course, I expect some great racing from everybody and that includes myself and as any true elite athlete should be doing, I will definitely be chasing the gold on the hand cycle.
I'm also expecting Paris 2024 to be an amazing Games with lots of support from all the people and countries around, especially now that the pandemic has taken a backseat.
I wish all my competitors and athletes the best in their preparation so that come Paris 2024 we can be in the best shapes of our lives to showcase true athleticism and battle it out on the sporting fields with true honor and sportsmanship so that the best man may win!
