Despite a childhood marked by social ills, an ADHD diagnosis and being told of everything he couldn’t do, Theo Barnes is set to represent Team SA at the Region 5 Games in Windhoek, Namibia, this week.
Windhoek, Namibia (08 July 2025) – Some of the greatest stories are born from the most humbling beginnings, and Theo Barnes’ one is no different.
The young athlete’s dreams, born on Cape Flats streets, have been realised by raw determination and powered by his mother’s unwavering support.
Despite being raised in a community notorious for its social ills, Barnes kept tunnel vision on his goal to become a sprinter who would go on to make both his mom and nation proud. And at just 21 years old, he has emerged as one of 12 Team SA athletes competing at the Region 5 Games in Namibia!
The Games are a project by the African Union Sport Council, which prepares younger athletes for international competition, with the pinnacle being the Olympics.
According to Team South Africa, Barnes is considered one of the country’s strongest medal hopes and, by his own admission, wants to do the 100m and 200m double.
“Winning a medal would be the biggest thing I’ve ever achieved. I have my other medals hanging on my wall, but a medal from these Games would fit nicely with the others,” he shares.
Diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) at the age of six, Barnes’ journey to becoming a runner was only realised when he attended a special needs school where he was encouraged to pursue the sport competitively.
The promising sportsman has never looked back, giving every race and competition his very best.
For Barnes, a medal from these Games would not only be his biggest achievement to date but also the fulfilment of a long-held dream: to make his mother proud and see himself on television as he chases gold this week.
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Sources: Team South Africa
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