Ex-world champion paves the way for future stars

The Citizen

a day ago

FORMER gymnastics champ Johann Meintjes said he has never been a stranger to pushing boundaries.
From a young age he was drawn to gymnastics, a sport that challenged him physically and mentally, and one that quickly became a major part of his identity.
'I was hooked from the start, he said.
For him, the discipline, the control, the thrill of pushing your body to do something you didn't think was possible, was magic.
Meintjies said gymnastics gave him a sense of purpose and a tight-knit community.
'I trained, competed, and grew up with the sport as a guiding force in my life.'
But in a single moment, everything changed. A life-altering accident left Meintjies a quadriplegic.
Also read: Para gymnastics get a lift
'The transition from being a high-level gymnast to suddenly losing mobility and independence was one of the hardest battles I have ever faced. You go from being in complete control of your body to relying on others for even the smallest tasks.
'It was devastating, not just physically, but emotionally. The mental toll was just as heavy as the physical limitations.'
In all this, Meintjies found a new path to stay connected to the sport he loved through photography.
He said it started as a small hobby and grew into a powerful tool for expression and advocacy.
'I began to see gymnastics differently through the lens. Every movement, every landing, every emotion, I could capture the stories I once lived.'
Meintjies became the first quadriplegic photographer to shoot at the Olympic Games.
For him, this was more than a personal victory, it was a statement.
'To be on the Olympic floor again, this time behind the camera, was emotional. It felt like I had come full circle. I was still part of the sport. Still telling its story. Just in a different way.'
Now, Johann is traveling to gymnastics clubs around the world, not only to photograph, but to speak, inspire, and promote a more inclusive future for the sport.
As co-ordinator for Para-Gymnastics for Gymnastics SA he invites all disabled kids between the age of 8 and 13 to start gymnastics at a local gymnastics club in their area. Gymnastics will be part of the 2032 Paralympics in Brisbane.
His mission is to challenge stereotypes and show that disability does not mean inability.
Also read: National Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Durban gymnasts rake in medals at international champs
'I want kids to know that there's a place for them in gymnastics, no matter their ability. I want coaches and communities to see what's possible when we think beyond the norm.'
To parents of children with disabilities, Johann advises: 'Believe in your children. Encourage them to dream, even if that dream looks different than you imagined. Support, love, and opportunity go further than you think.'
And for those facing life-altering challenges, Johann is living proof that triumph is possible.
'You don't get to choose what happens to you, but you do get to choose how you respond. Find what still gives you purpose. Surround yourself with people who lift you. And remember, your story doesn't end with your setback, it begins with how you rise from it.'
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