Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Two extremely talented young Mossel Bay athletes are set to represent South Africa in the prestigious 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships to be held in Abu Dhabi from 11 to 22 November.
Sonwabise Ndyawe and Taye Kannemeyer, both Grade 11 Hillcrest Secondary learners, were selected to represent South Africa in the duathlon category of the championships after their stellar performance at the SA Duathlon Championships 2026 in Hoekwil on 11 July.
They had competed in the junior sprint category, which consists of a 5km run, a 20km cycle and a 2.5km run to the finish line. In the 16-17 age group, Taye placed 10th, while Sonwabise, in the 18-19 age group, placed second.
With the world championships coming up fast, the two athletes spoke to Mossel Bay Advertiser about the sport, their training and their upcoming race.
Taye said he had started training for duathlons three years ago, and had only ever played rugby before that. When he first started training, he had never expected to make it this far, now qualifying to compete on an international stage.
Taye Kannemeyer in the SA Duathlon Championships 2026. Photo: Gerber Sports Photography
"When I found I had been selected, I was very excited, but shocked as well. It was unexpected for me," he said.
Sonwabise started the sport in 2024, and while he had been running for a while prior to joining the duathlon community, it was his first time cycling as a sport.
He had expected to place well in the SA championships as he had placed in the top 10 last year. He decided that he would secure a podium finish this year.
"I worked very hard; I sometimes trained twice a day," said the young athlete.
Sonwabise Ndyawe during the running leg of the SA Duathlon Championships 2026. Photo: Gerber Sports Photography
The two learners, who are also good friends, said they often train together and are excited to have the opportunity to compete in a world championship together.
"I am happy I get to go with my friend," said Taye.
William Bennet, the founder of the Bayethe Multisport Academy, based in KwaNonqaba, to which both athletes belong, said he was extremely proud of the two.
Another academy member, Cuan Wildeman, was also selected to compete in the world championships. However, a major stumbling block is facing them - funding.
Bennet said several academy athletes had been selected for international competitions in previous years, but so far, none had been able to go because of funding.
"This is such a wonderful opportunity for these young athletes, to ignite the fire in them to do more. Both of them have the potential to go pro ... they are extremely talented athletes," he said.
Bennet added that it would be a massive missed opportunity if they were unable to compete on the world stage.
He said there will be fundraisers for the athletes.
If you would like to help Taye and Sonwabise on their way to the world championships, visit their BackaBuddy page or email [email protected]. You can also visit the academy's Facebook page, Bayethe Multisport Academy.
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