# @paralympics on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C2KKXOnNO3t
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/10697994-paralympics-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/508ce1f90e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-01-16T11:03:43.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) — https://gondola.cc/Paralympics

## Caption

Pieter Du Preez and the power of sport. 🇿🇦🥇

“My true resolution for 2024 will be to make sure that I live every day to the fullest and try making it purposeful. I want to focus more on starting to give back and help grow the sport I am so passionate about in our country, which has so much talent. I have seen firsthand how getting newly injured people and kids in sports can change lives. 

“My son is now 6 years old and going to first grade in school this year. It is important to be the best example we can be for him. I am losing my eyesight due to a degenerative eye disease, so it is important for me to prioritise watching my son grow into his own journey with sports, culture, arts and school while I’m still lucky enough to have decent sight to enjoy these things with him. 

“I also hope the setup at the Games will allow him to be a part of the team as he always is - in every race and training session. This will make the experience extra meaningful, now he’s at the age where he will remember these things. Maybe one day, he can use what he learned through these experiences to make meaningful impact himself. All of these are very important to me in 2024. 

“At paris2024 it would be amazing if I can manage to make the team and proudly compete for my country in both Para cycling and Para athletics. Of course, I expect some great racing from everybody and that includes myself and as every athlete should be doing, I will definitely be chasing gold on the hand cycle.”

Accessible photos description: Photo 1) Du Preez smiles alongside his son before a cycling race. 2) Du Preez in action on the hand-bike at the Paralympics. 3) Du Preez on the cycling podium after victory in 2024. 4) Du Preez smiles with his family after winning gold. 5) Du Preez signs a rainbow Jersey for a fan. 6) Du Preez in a racing wheelchair. 7) Du Preez at the Laureus Awards 2016, with a South Africa bow tie. 8) Du Preez smiling on the podium with his Paralympic gold. Photos: Getty Images, Illse Du Preez. 

You can read more in our interview with Pieter Du Preez via our Stories. 🔗

#Paralympics #SouthAfrica #TeamMzansi #ParaCycling #HandCycling

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## Tags

handcycling, paracycling, paralympics, teammzansi, southafrica

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