Antonio walks his way to prestigious award
Antonio Farmer (17), Grade 12 learner at York High School, literally walked his way to success. This devoted race walker was named School Sportsman of the Year at the 2018 Western Cape Sports Awards ceremony at Mutual Park in Pinelands in Cape Town on Saturday 25 August.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, attended the event to celebrate esteemed athletes in the province.
Antonio said he was surprised when he was called out as the winner.
"I couldn't believe it. Just being nominated was already an achievement." The excitement in Antonio's voice during a telephone interview with the George Herald, was clear. He said he previously also participated in other sports and activities like hockey, kickboxing, dancing, and drama, but race walking is his number one priority. "I train six days a week and approximately two hours a day." He has been accepted at the NorthWest University for next year, where he will study a degree in teaching.
His mother, Berenice Humphrey-Farmer, and her partner, Jan Gallant, are both proud of Antonio's achievement. "He rose above his circumstances to be an example for his brothers, Luvuyo Maarman, Jay-Cobus Farmer, and sister, Cashea Farmer," said Berenice.
Antonio's advice to young upcoming athletes is to stay focused on their goal.
"Hard work pays of and remember, patience is key."
The Farmer family thanks everyone
I couldn’t believe it. Just being nominated was already an achievement.
who contributed to Antonio's growth and success - Joelene Giewelaar, Gerrit Pretorius, teachers at York High School and the headmaster, Francois Moll, as well as his coach, Carl Meyer.