Vosloo signals arrival with two SA records

F37 men's shotput and discus have a new star on the rise. Johannes Vosloo recently broke four South African records across the junior and senior ranks. The 17-year-old discussed his record-breaking performance and his plans to continue to elevate his status in the sport.

The Grade 10 student at Paarl School in Brackenfell, Cape Town, began by explaining the moment he discovered he had broken the senior and U20 records in the shot put and discus with throws of 9.69 metres in the shot put, and 29.28 metres in the discus.

He had been competing in a CWSAPD/WPSAPD District Trials event at Stellenbosch’s Coetzenburg Stadium in September.

The shot put mark was 41cm further than Sibusiso Manabela’s previous record of 9.28m set in Gqeberha in 2021 and the discus distance was 54cm further than Benno Schoeman’s best in Gqeberha in 2025.

"At the time I did not realize what I had done, and I don't think the officials did either! I only discovered I had broken the records when Coach Andries (Kruger) messaged me about it.

"It felt incredible learning I had broken all those records. It has filled me with a new level of motivation to push on and achieve great things in this sport."

Vosloo went on to describe the tricky conditions on the day he competed, "It was really cold and windy, and it had been raining which left the throwing circle slippery. I was unable to perform my usual throwing routine, and I was forced to stand in one spot. Having to do that and still pulling off my best attempts ever is a huge confidence boost for what I can achieve in perfect conditions."

The left-handed para athlete is coached by Andries Kruger, the father and coach of Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder, Simone Kruger. Working alongside this accomplished mentor and the incredible talent Vosloo possesses, the rising star has every right to aim for the top.

Vosloo, who has had right sided hemiplegia since birth, which affects his nervous system on the right side of his body, discussed his big goal for the next few years. "I am aiming for the 2028 Paralympic Games. With my recent performances, age, and the help of Coach Andries, I believe it is possible and I will do whatever it takes to make it to LA."

The future is certainly bright for this exciting young South African athlete. His motivation and confidence are at an all-time high and he feels certain there is much more that he can achieve in his sport.