​Giving up is not an option for Joshua van Staden, a second-year Theology student at Stellenbosch University (SU) and award-winning para-athlete. Van Staden holds the South African record in both javelin and shot-put in the F41 category for athletes of short stature.

As part of Youth Month, Van Staden told us more about his life, challenges and victories.

Tell us about yourself and how you became an athlete?

I was raised by my mother, who is a wonderful, family-driven person. She has a huge impact on my life, and always motivates me. As a child, I had to deal with bullying and low self-esteem. People with a disability are constantly reminded of their physical challenges, and I had to find a way to overcome those obstacles. During my teenage years, I managed to change my perspective. I no longer live with doubt, rejection and sadness. I try to look at challenges from a different perspective.

It was hard to fit into mainstream sports codes in high school, but my school made an effort to be inclusive, and organised shot-put and javelin training for me. Eventually, Wentzel Barnard from Maties Parasport contacted me and arranged access to coaches. I then joined Maties Athletics.

Today, I do not see myself as a person with a disability, but as Godly gifted. In everything I do, I remind myself never to settle for average, but always to do more.

What do you enjoy most about sport? 

I enjoy travelling, meeting professional athletes, and having an impact around the world with my sports.

With Youth Month in mind, what is your message of hope for other young people?

I want to encourage young people that the dream God has placed inside them will come true – according to His timing – and that His grace will be sufficient throughout their life's journey. Something that keeps me going is a quote from American motivational speaker Les Brown: “No matter how bad it is, or how bad it gets, I'm going to make it." There will be times in your life when things will not go well, but we should still persevere and push for that 1% to complete the 99% of perfection. 

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

I plan to finish my undergraduate studies at SU and then enrol for an honours degree in Sport Psychology. I ultimately see myself playing a role in motivating the youth.

Click here to view a video of Joshua van Staden.​​