Anthony is chasing an extraordinary goal: becoming South Africa’s first para sit-skier at the Winter Paralympics.
South Africa (17 September 2026) – Five years ago, Anthony Roodt’s life changed in a matter of seconds.
He was involved in a car accident that left him with a broken back and forced him to confront a future that suddenly looked very different from the one he had imagined.
A passionate sportsman, Anthony had always been drawn to anything involving a ball, a track or a competitive challenge. After the accident, he found it difficult to find his way back to the life he knew.
“I was thinking, you know, life is going to be different and dreams are not going to be able to work out as I hoped for.”
Then, two years ago, he discovered para alpine skiing. What started as an introduction to a new sport quickly became something much bigger. Skiing offered a renewed sense of purpose and importantly, hope.
“The first time I got in the ski, I was actually very nervous about it. I was terrified of falling, and as soon as I started to ski, I just felt free.”
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Anthony says there is something uniquely exhilarating about sitting at the top of a mountain, knowing that every turn requires concentration and precision.
“It’s just that adrenaline rush that you get when you’re on top of the mountain and there’s no going back. It’s just so hyper-focused.”
Now, he has set himself a goal that could make South African sporting history, becoming the first South African para sit-skier to compete at the Winter Paralympics.
For Anthony, representing his country would carry a deeply personal significance.
“Being able to accomplish being the first para sit-skier, and especially from South Africa, and also representing the country, I think it’s actually quite a big deal.”
But before he can chase that dream, there is a significant hurdle to overcome.
Anthony is currently raising funds to cover the costs associated with pursuing para alpine skiing at an international level, including specialised equipment, training abroad, travel, accommodation and competition fees.
He needs to secure the necessary resources and training to reach a level where he can compete in the World Cup series and ultimately work towards Paralympic qualification.
Through it all, his family and friends have remained an important source of encouragement, particularly on the days when the goal feels out of reach.
And while making history would be an extraordinary achievement, Anthony hopes his journey can have an impact far beyond his own sporting career.
“I would actually love for the sport to grow, especially in South Africa,” he says, highlighting the lack of awareness around para disciplines.
More than anything, he wants people to see possibility where they may have once seen limitation.
“No matter the situation or disability you have or the problems you face, you can always achieve something far greater than you can possibly imagine.”
Anthony continues to work towards getting himself onto the international slopes, with a Paralympic dream and a desire to show others what is possible.
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