FORMER javelin world record holder Tom Petranoff hopes to inspire future Olympians with his coaching.
The javelin maestro and his daughter Leigh, ranked third in the US in the discipline, invited primary schools to a clinic they hosted in Stellenbosch yesterday.
Aspiring athletes from Saint Idas Primary, Eikestad Primary, Cloetesville Primary, Rhenish Primary, Ikaya Primary and AF Louw Primary came to attend the clinic hosted at Stellenbosch Primary.
Petranoff, who invented the Turbo Jav used by many athletes in the Paralympics, donated sets to schools attending the clinic.
He said it was a joy to work with disadvantaged and special-needs athletes because they are brimming with the desire to achieve.
“It took many years to design the Turbo Jav plastic mould because of the dangers and cost of a real javelin. It's safe and a fun way for aspiring athletes to get accustomed to the event,” said Petranoff.
He found the interest in athletics had grown since South African athletes did so well at this year's Olympics and Paralympics.
“I normally work with special-needs children to show them they can also participate. Through this initiative, we keep tabs on our website of any young athletes who show potential and we do so in the hope of helping them reach the next level,” said Petranoff.
Cloetesville Primary School teacher Rodger Cupido said while their school had athletes, its infrastructure and equipment was a challenge.
“Teachers double as coaches because specialised coaches are expensive and clinics like this are great exposure for them,” said Cupido.
Petranoff is conducting clinics at the University of Stellenbosch for advanced students and invites any organisations or schools to contact him for coaching clinics.
Contact can be made by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 021 883 9042.