Barrydale, Western Cape — A young athlete from the small farming town of Barrydale has earned the opportunity to represent South Africa in Europe after being selected for the WSS Western Cape Schools Athletics Tour taking place from 27 June to 18 July 2026.
Aushwin-Leigh Jantjies, a learner at Barrydale High School, has been selected to take part in the international athletics tour after an extraordinary rise in the sport.
Although he only started participating in athletics in 2023, Aushwin-Leigh has already made history as the first athlete from Barrydale High School, and the town of Barrydale, to reach this level of achievement.
He currently runs the 400m in an impressive 48.19 seconds.
A Dream Bigger Than One Athlete
For Aushwin-Leigh, this opportunity is more than a personal milestone.
It is a dream shared by his family, school, and wider Barrydale community, many of whom have watched him train, grow, and believe despite limited resources.
For a young athlete from a rural town, opportunities like this are rare.
“To wear the South African flag on an international stage is a dream bigger than himself,” the campaign shares.
Talent Built Through Sacrifice
Aushwin-Leigh has earned his place through sacrifice, discipline, and raw talent.
While many athletes have access to proper training facilities, sponsorships, and structured support, he has had to pursue his dream with very little.
His community is made up largely of farm workers and working families, many of whom work tirelessly to provide for their households. Raising the full cost of the tour locally is therefore extremely difficult.
Early Support Has Started the Journey
A BackaBuddy campaign launched by Carly Booysen has already raised R1,620 toward the R100,000 needed to help cover the cost of the international tour.
Nine donors have stepped forward in the first few days, helping begin the journey toward getting Aushwin-Leigh to Europe.
The funds raised will assist with travel, tour expenses, accommodation, and the costs linked to representing South Africa abroad.
A Future Olympic Dream
Aushwin-Leigh hopes this tour will help him continue developing as an athlete and move closer to his dream of one day becoming an Olympian.
For his supporters, the campaign is about making sure poverty does not stand between a talented young athlete and an opportunity he has already earned.
“No child should lose the opportunity to represent South Africa because of poverty,” the campaign shares.
How the Public Can Help
Supporters can contribute to Aushwin-Leigh’s campaign or help by sharing his story with schools, athletics clubs, businesses, sports supporters, and community networks.
To support Aushwin-Leigh Jantjies’ journey to represent South Africa in Europe, visit his BackaBuddy campaign page here.
