GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Eugene Botha, a 59-year-old top athlete from Sedgefield, has been selected by Triathlon SA (TSA) to represent South Africa at the 2025 World Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain on 20 and 21 June.
Unfortunately, TSA does not contribute to Botha's expenses and he has to fund everything himself.
Botha needs about R50 000 to make his mark internationally - something he has been working towards for many years.
"It has always been my dream to compete on the world stage and now, at age 59, I finally have the opportunity to do just that.
"I have started a BackaBuddy campaign to help fund my flights, accommodation, food and transport in Spain as well as the SA kit I need to buy, as I can't afford to fund it myself.
"I will truly appreciate any donations to get me to Spain. This may be the only chance I ever have."
Botha's triathlon journey started in 2018 when he started doing races. He completed his first 70.3 Ironman in East London in 2019 and also mastered the 70.3 Ironman in Mossel Bay in 2023. He also completed the Comrades Marathon in 2003 and the Two Oceans Marathon in 2024.
"When we moved to the Garden Route as a family, I joined the local group, Eden Triathlon. We compete in various disciplines and started competing in triathlon and duathlon in 2023. I was selected to go to the SA Champs in July 2024 and came first in my age category."
To date Botha has managed to raise just over R16 000 and has just three months left to raise the balance.
To help get Botha to Spain in June, please donate to his BackaBuddy campaign by clicking here.
You can also contact him on 082 847 0243.
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