Shaeden Meyer, an 11-year-old first-time discus athlete from Egerton Primary School, is quickly becoming a discus star among local athletes. “I had never really tried discus but recently got the opportunity and as they say, the rest is history,” smiled Meyer, during a quick one-on-one interview with The Ladysmith Herald.
Meyer recently represented his school at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) meeting in Pietermaritzburg and said that it was a scary but exciting experience and he had learned so much about discus. “Never in my life did I think that I would be representing my school at something that I was just trying out for the first time,” said Meyer, whose first throw – which gave him his representing position – measured 17.87m.
Meyer also competed in a year older age category in Pietermaritzburg and hopes to make it to the championships in Richards Bay with his high-powered throws. “I have been working hard on the field with some help from my dad. We have a little private joke about discus because we are not one hundred percent sure how to train for it,” giggled Meyer. “I’m just following my instinct and, of course, what my dad has been telling me since day one – remember to just have fun.”
Meyer is no stranger to the sporting world and plays first-team hockey and cricket. He recently obtained half-colours after being selected as a reserve player for the uThukela Cricket Team. Meyer said that all the travelling to take part in athletics has been a little heavy on his dad’s pocket but with the assistance of TFS, Filcon, Windsor Secondary management and staff as well as family, he was able to concentrate on his passion.
Meyer said that his biggest hero on the sports field is Usain Bolt and would like to see himself achieving great things in his own sporting career as well. “Never give up on any dreams you might have – no matter how big or small. Try everything at least once because you will never know what could happen until you try,” concluded the young athlete.
