Pole vaulter Kyle Rademeyer pushes to be part of OPEX programme

The programme provides financial support to athletes with the potential to qualify for, or win medals at, major international championships. 

After fellow field athlete Jo-Ané du Plessis received support following her Olympic silver medal, Rademeyer hopes his performance in Scotland can also open the door for him as he targets the World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games.

"No, I am not on the OPEX program. In 2023, I was on it for a little bit. But currently, I am not on the program. I think I can be on it, but I will need to find out first. I hope I have done enough to be on it, but I need to find out, talk to them, and see what they say," said Rademeyer.

READ: Sizwe Ndlovu embraces his role as rowing’s trend setter

The 2024 African Championships gold medallist is also calling for financial support as he begins his preparations for the World Senior Championships in Beijing next year. 

Rademeyer says financial backing is important for athletes in a technical event like pole vault.

The 24-year-old believes pole vault is growing in South Africa, with more local athletes improving and clearing higher heights.

Rademeyer will soon begin his preparations for the World Championships, where his main goal is to reach the final and compete with the best in the world.

Despite the technical demands of pole vault, Rademeyer says the event is not as difficult as people think. 

He says he continues to enjoy the challenge and loves the sport.