Once lying immobile on his hospital bed for weeks, endurance enthusiast Carel Botha faced the unimaginable. But he recovered and gained a newfound appreciation for life. Now back on his feet, he’s embarked on an Extreme Triathlon not for personal glory, but to support a fellow mobility buddy in his hour of need.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (04 July 2025) – Carel Botha is one of those incredibly inspiring individuals who push themselves to the limit, participating in all those mind-blowing endurance challenges that leave many inspired to go after more in life.
Think the Argus Cycle Tour, Two Oceans Marathon, Iron Man, Three Peaks, Sky Run, Comrades, Bergriver and Freedom Challenge, to name a few!
But in April last year, nothing could have prepared him for the unimaginable challenge his body was put through when a firestorm blew through Jamestown and a large tree branch fell on both him and his brother, breaking Carel’s back and pelvis.
Understandably, a shocking ordeal for Carel and his loved ones, he, however, through his undeterred resilience and weeks of restricted movement, healed in the hospital
“He was not allowed to twist his spine, sit up on his own or for long periods, reach for anything or walk. Never mind run, row or bike over mountains,” shares Marié Botha, Carel’s wife.
“He gradually graduated to being pushed in a wheelchair, and then he used crutches for the final few weeks. After 3 months of restricted movement and rehabilitation, he was finally able to walk unaided again!”
Carel’s remarkable recovery has spurred something even greater in him, gratitude and the desire to help a fellow Jamestowner with mobility challenges.
In doing so, Carel has taken on the Extreme Triathlon, a personal quest which comprises consecutively tackling the Comrades Marathon, Freedom Challenge cycling race, and Bergriver Canoe Marathon.
He completed the Comrades on 9 June before jumping on his bike the following morning. The Bergriver Canoe Marathon is his current mission, where he now hopes to conquer the river.
His monumental effort isn’t for personal glory but to support his friend, an 18-year-old named Requelmy, born with paralysis and desperately needing a new wheelchair.
“A basic wheelchair is about R3,000, but a more suitable one is around R18,000, so that is our aim,” says Marié.
With every gruelling push, Carel’s is helping a young man navigate his world just a little easier, and that right there is truly inspiring. His mission is within close reach, with funds raised currently at R12,900 on their BackaBuddy page and the company where they hope to purchase the wheelchair on board to assist with free shipping.
Carel, you’re changing one thing for a young man while doing a lot of amazing things to make it possible. Not only are we rooting for you, but we’re inspired by you.
Whether you want to show Carel support, are grateful for your mobility, or you want to help a buddy with mobility, you can make a small donation towards the wheelchair here.
Sources: BackaBuddy
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