Shoes to reach a dream Campaign

My name is Aldert Brink, a 20-year-old dedicated athlete competing in both middle distance and cross country events. I am also a second-year BSc Sport Science student at the University of Pretoria, pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming a professional athlete.

The past two years have presented significant challenges. Coming off a strong pre-season, I was aiming for a sub-two-minute 800m in 2022. After performing well in the first two races, I unfortunately contracted COVID-19. This setback forced a four-week recovery interval, significantly impacting my form. However, I sought guidance from a sports specialist, and their expertise, although not covered by my medical aid, helped me recover and achieve a personal best of 2:01 minutes in the 800m by the end of the year.

While pre-season for 2023 middle distance went well, I encountered further obstacles. After an ankle sprain and subsequent rehab, I developed severe knee pain during training (patellar tendinitis), causing me to miss most of the cross country season and hindering my pre-season training again.

Determined to overcome these setbacks, I recently consulted a specialist who performed a gait analysis. They revealed a mismatch between my running style and my current shoes, recommending two different pairs for road work and off-road training.

Unfortunately, covering the cost of these specialised shoes (R4499 for cross country racing and R2750 for road running) along with previous medical expenses (R6000 in 2022, R5000 in 2023, and R1200 for the specialist) poses a significant financial challenge. My parents are already supporting my education alongside my two brothers, and balancing studies with a demanding training schedule limits my personal earning opportunities.

Seeking Your Support:

I am reaching out to request your support in covering these costs. Your contribution would not only alleviate the financial burden on my family but also significantly enhance my training and competitive potential. As a future sports scientist and biokineticist, I am confident that your investment will contribute to my athletic career and future contributions to the world of sports.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Aldert Brink