Raemondo Lessing takes on the world
21 February 2023
Raemondo Lessing, a Grade 11 learner at Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, participated in the 2022 Pismo ISA World Para Surf Championship in California where he placed 18th in the world.
Raemondo represented South Africa as the flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony in December 2022.
The SA Team placed 5th out of 28 countries behind USA, France, Spain and Brazil. The team, consisting of 14 athletes and six support crew/coaches, bagged a silver, bronze and copper medal.
Fiona Sander, the Team Manager, said the international field has grown exponentially and as a result competition was tough. She added that the conditions were tough as well with stormy weather on both weekends during the competition. “Nerves and challenges aside, the South African team were in high spirits every day, on the beach and the pier, supporting their fellow teammates when not in the water themselves. A congratulatory SA tunnel became a festive event, many athletes joining in, even our competitors.”
Sander said Raemondo can be super proud of his performance in the championship. “Competition was fierce, his division is one of the largest and followed a round robin format and then knock out. One of the challenges was navigating this large pier, you swam out on the north side of the pier went under it and competed on the south side usually catching a wave to the north but stopping before the pier. Rae caught waves and gave it his all!”
