MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay brothers Aidan (16) and Weston (10) Erasmus are stellar athletes, each in his own right.
Between them, these boys have secured 11 first positions in various high school, primary school and district athletics competitions and have both received their Eden colours for their exceptional performances in their chosen field items.
Aidan, who has a bilateral hearing impairment, recently competed in the South African High School Athletics (LSEN) championships in Gauteng, where he obtained two gold medals and set a new South African record in shot put and one in discus in the championship's U17 division.
This is the second year Aidan has competed in the LSEN championships and the second time he set two new records in both field items.
Leading up to the championships, he had also come first in the Eden District and in the Western Cape in his age group.
"I felt very proud and honoured in those moments. It is a great feeling of accomplishment for all the hard work I put in," he says.
Not too far behind his big brother is Weston, who took up athletics earlier this year.
He impressively secured first place in the Mossel Bay and Eden District's athletics and second place at the Western Cape Championships, and landed in the top 10 in South Africa after competing in the national Primary School Athletics Championships for shot put U10.
"I was very happy to win my first medals, and also to get district and provincial colours," says Weston.
Mossel Bay athletes and brothers Weston and Aidan Erasmus. Photo: Supplied
Training
The boys currently attend Curro Mossel Bay's high and primary schools. After long days of learning, they spend every afternoon training and honing their skills with the help of their coach, Marilize Coetzee.
When asked how they juggle the demands of school with their training, they said it can definitely be challenging at times, but they both are managing well.
"Because of travelling [to competitions], we sometimes miss school, but still have to balance academics. It is also challenging, because we train every day during most of the year, not just a season," says Aidan.
However, their hard work has definitely paid off - Aidan was awarded the Mossel Bay Sportsman of the Year with a Disability Award in 2025, and was also selected for the Curro Rising Stars National Team, which competed in the Curro Podium Grand Finale earlier this year.
Not long after, Weston set a new record at the 2026 Curro Interhouse Athletics.
Brothers' bond
Aidan first started athletics in primary school. "Athletics is my passion, and a talent I can live out and use to the best of my ability," he says.
For Weston, it began with training privately alongside Aidan after several years of observing and supporting him.
Sharing a love of athletics has only brought the brothers closer.
Aidan says he hopes to inspire Weston to excel in the sport, while Weston does not like to train without his older brother by his side.
Their parents told the Advertiser they are extremely proud of their boys and consider it a blessing and privilege that they are able to use their talents in both sports and academics.
"Both of them have always shown talent for sport, not only athletics, and we have always been thankful knowing they have the potential to excel."
Hopes for the future
The brothers have hopes of one day becoming professional athletes.
Aidan wants to have a chance of representing South Africa at the Olympics sometime in the future, possibly as an athlete with a disability due to his hearing impairment.
"I hope I can inspire others. I wouldn't mind becoming a professional rugby player either," he added.
As for Weston, his sights are set on becoming a professional hammer thrower.
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