PARALYMPICS, HERE I COME!

He lost his left leg as a baby, but these days Nicklaas is a star on the athletics field and he's got big dreams

- NADINE RAMONGANE

THE SUN blazes down on the athletics track as the children stretch and warm up in preparation for their race, their parents and peers cheering from the sidelines.

As the starting shot echoes through the air, a little boy surges forward, his arms pumping as he propels himself along the track.

It's a typical scene at the start of a new school year, a time when young learners eagerly hit the track for sports day. Yet one child stands out from the rest eight-year-old Nicklaas van Heerden, who's running with crutches.

Though his classmates soon overtake him, Nicklaas, whose left leg has been amputated, remains unfazed. He resolutely moves forward and as he crosses the finish line he's greeted with the loudest applause.

Nicklaas became a social media sensation after a video of his race at Laerskool Florida in Roodepoort, Gauteng, went viral, and his courage and determination captivated hearts across the country. For those who know him, this is classic Nicklaas-unstoppable in pursuing his goals.

"He's fearless," his mom, Heidi Blumenthal, says. "He has always tackled everything with bravery. He first ran the 80m and finished last but then he pushed harder and managed fourth place in the 60m."

The Grade 3 learner shows off his medals and trophies when YOU meets him at his home in Roodepoort.

"He got the big trophy during a special race the school arranged for him," his stepdad, Jaco Blumenthal, says, pointing to an impressive cup.

Jaco, who met Heidi when Nicklaas was four years old, shares a special bond with Nicklaas. "He really is the cutest boy - he never complains about anything" he says.