Nine-year-old South African heads to World Championships

For nine-year-old Karlo Marais, a place at an international sporting championship is no longer just something to dream about. After months of training, fundraising and support from his community, the young Langebaan athlete has boarded a flight to Portugal to compete against some of the world’s best in his age group, Cape {town} Etc reports.

Karlo departed South Africa on 23 October, bound for Madeira, where he will represent the country at the UIPM 2026 Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run World Championships. The competition takes place in Funchal from 26 October to 1 November.

His trip marks a significant milestone for the Grade 3 learner at Curro Langebaan, whose qualification for the championships was only part of the challenge. Making the journey possible required a concerted fundraising effort involving his parents, local supporters, businesses and corporate sponsors.

From Langebaan to the world stage

Karlo is already familiar with the pressure of competing at a world championship. At the 2025 event in Mossel Bay, he collected six medals, three gold and three silver, establishing himself as a young talent to watch in the sport.

He continued to make his mark at this year’s South African national championships, winning medals in the boys’ under-11 category despite being just nine years old.

His achievements extend beyond the competition course. Karlo was named West Coast School Sportsman of the Year for 2025 and maintains an impressive 92% academic average while keeping up with a demanding training schedule.

That balance requires commitment from both the young athlete and his family. Karlo trains six days a week, working with running coach Clive Cupido and swimming coach Paolo Gabriels while continuing with his schoolwork.

Three disciplines, one major challenge

In Madeira, Karlo will take on three events that test different combinations of speed, endurance and precision.

Biathle combines running and swimming, while Triathle adds laser shooting to swimming and running. Laser Run, meanwhile, pairs running with laser shooting, requiring athletes to manage their pace and remain focused when accuracy matters.

For a young competitor, preparing for these events means developing more than physical fitness. The ability to concentrate under pressure and recover quickly between demanding efforts is also essential.

Karlo’s training has helped prepare him for the challenge, but competing internationally also comes with costs that can place a significant burden on a family.

How community support helped make the trip possible

The Road to Madeira fundraising campaign, supported by CG Sport, set a target of R108 000 to cover the expenses for Karlo and his accompanying guardian.

The budget included travel, accommodation, competition fees and other costs associated with participating overseas. Contributions from well-wishers, businesses and corporate sponsors, alongside the efforts of his parents, Danie and Marie Marais, helped turn the opportunity into reality.

Their support has given Karlo the chance to compete in South African colours on an international stage, an opportunity he worked hard to earn through his performances.

For his family, his departure represents the culmination of months of preparation and fundraising. For those who contributed, it is a chance to see their support translate into a tangible opportunity for a young athlete.

Karlo’s journey also highlights the role that community backing can play in youth sport, particularly in disciplines that receive less public attention than football, rugby or cricket. Talent and dedication can open doors, but the financial cost of travelling abroad can make it difficult for young athletes to take the next step.

Following Karlo’s journey in Madeira

With the trip now under way, attention turns to the competition itself. Karlo will have the opportunity to test himself against international opposition while gaining valuable experience at a young age.

His story is a reminder that South African sporting talent can emerge from small communities and that reaching the world stage often takes more than individual determination. Family commitment and support from people willing to get behind a young athlete can make a decisive difference.

South Africans can follow the championships and track results through the official event website: UIPM 2026 Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run World Championships

As Karlo prepares to compete in Madeira, the people who helped him get there can continue to follow his progress and send their encouragement from home.

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**Picture: **Supplied

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