Kerwin
Noemdo

Defined by effort,
not disability

Kerwin Noemdo was born in Bellville, Cape Town. At birth, the umbilical cord damaged his right hand, and a few months later it was amputated below the elbow. He never saw that as something that would hold him back.

His para athletics journey began in 2008 when he was in Grade 8 and a coach spotted him at a school meet and invited him to try para sport. Just three years later, he first wore the green and gold in 2011 at the IWAS World Games.

From a back injury before the 2019 Worlds to training through COVID-19 lockdown with bodyweight and resistance bands, every setback sharpened his discipline, patience, and faith. He is defined not by disability, but by the effort he brings every single day.