Enduring years of illness, which would have deterred an ordinary person, is exactly what spurred swimmer Jared Burger on.
The former Selbornian, 18, returned with three gold and five silver medals from the South African Disabled Swimming Championships held in Durban last week.
Since birth, Burger has battled with chronic asthma and allergic rhinitis, which resulted in hospitalisation every three weeks for treatment.
A few years later, common variable immune deficiency syndrome was diagnosed, a condition which affects haemoglobin levels, leaving the body with a lack of plasma cells necessary for the production of antibodies.
Because of this, Burger fell prey to frequent bacterial infections.
While treating this multitude of conditions, Burger was again diagnosed with sleep disorder narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder which affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep/wake cycles normally.
Last year, Burger was hit with another blow when he was diagnosed with ulcer colitis, an inflammation of the lining of the large intestine.
Through all of this, Burger has persevered, receiving top marks in his matric year but also achieving Border colours for water polo, swimming, open water swimming, karate, biathlon, rugby and squash.
He has, since primary school, managed to achieve 264 medals.
Burger said he was inspired to try for the swimming championships after watching disabled swimmers competing in the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
To qualify, Burger had to undergo various verification tests in Port Elizabeth earlier this month, where his rare narcolepsy disorder qualified him as disabled.
The games were from April 13 to 18.
“From there I started with an intense training programme because I was so determined to excel,” Burger said.
“Swimming in the championships was such an inspiration for me because of all the wonderful athletes I met there. Sometimes in life you feel you have problems, but then you meet some of the other swimmers and see the physical disabilities they face. That’s when you realise that you don’t have any problems at all.”
Coach Matt Palmer said while he was proud of Burger’s achievements, he was not surprised at all.
Palmer has been training Burger since he was an 11-year-old.
“I’m proud of his achievements, but I won’t say I’m surprised at all. I did kind of expect this. All his life, Jared has met all of the goals he has set out for himself,” Palmer said.
Achievements in sport are not Burger’s only goals.
The teenager is currently enrolled for a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Fort Hare.
“Even though my health issues still persist, I don’t feel sorry for myself. The sport helps me to stay healthy so I can deal with my illnesses.
“I am now on a healthy diet and I have a strict exercise regime. I’ve even managed to lose 22 kilograms since last year,” Burger said.
Burger said next on the cards was training for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
Facing up to life’s challenges
The former Selbornian, 18, returned with three gold and five silver medals from the South African Disabled Swimming Championships held in Durban last week.
Since birth, Burger has battled with chronic asthma and allergic rhinitis, which resulted in hospitalisation every three weeks for treatment.
A few years later, common variable immune deficiency syndrome was diagnosed, a condition which affects haemoglobin levels, leaving the body with a lack of plasma cells necessary for the production of antibodies.
Because of this, Burger fell prey to frequent bacterial infections.
While treating this multitude of conditions, Burger was again diagnosed with sleep disorder narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder which affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep/wake cycles normally.
Last year, Burger was hit with another blow when he was diagnosed with ulcer colitis, an inflammation of the lining of the large intestine.
Through all of this, Burger has persevered, receiving top marks in his matric year but also achieving Border colours for water polo, swimming, open water swimming, karate, biathlon, rugby and squash.
He has, since primary school, managed to achieve 264 medals.
Burger said he was inspired to try for the swimming championships after watching disabled swimmers competing in the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
To qualify, Burger had to undergo various verification tests in Port Elizabeth earlier this month, where his rare narcolepsy disorder qualified him as disabled.
The games were from April 13 to 18.
“From there I started with an intense training programme because I was so determined to excel,” Burger said.
“Swimming in the championships was such an inspiration for me because of all the wonderful athletes I met there. Sometimes in life you feel you have problems, but then you meet some of the other swimmers and see the physical disabilities they face. That’s when you realise that you don’t have any problems at all.”
Coach Matt Palmer said while he was proud of Burger’s achievements, he was not surprised at all.
Palmer has been training Burger since he was an 11-year-old.
“I’m proud of his achievements, but I won’t say I’m surprised at all. I did kind of expect this. All his life, Jared has met all of the goals he has set out for himself,” Palmer said.
Achievements in sport are not Burger’s only goals.
The teenager is currently enrolled for a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Fort Hare.
“Even though my health issues still persist, I don’t feel sorry for myself. The sport helps me to stay healthy so I can deal with my illnesses.
“I am now on a healthy diet and I have a strict exercise regime. I’ve even managed to lose 22 kilograms since last year,” Burger said.
Burger said next on the cards was training for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
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