Name: Ben de la Porté
Date of Birth: 06/10/1999
Gender: Male
Place of Birth: Durban
Home Town: Durban
Sporting Code: Triathlon
Introduction to your sport: I started triathlon when I was about 10 and was introduced to it through my Dad who also does triathlon.
Career Achievements: 2015 – Placed 3rd at World Schools Triathlon Champs in France in the individual male event and 2nd in the relay event, won SA Schools Triathlon Champs, placed first at SA Biathle Champs (selected as part of SA team to Georgia), 2nd at SA Biathlon Champs and 3rd at SA Duathlon Champs
2014 – Won SA Triathlon Champs (boys under 15), 2nd SA Duathlon Champs (boys under 15)
Have represented the province in Triathlon, Duathlon, Biathlon, Surf Life Saving, Still Water Lifesaving, Cross Country, Athletics and Biathle and have won national titles in Triathlon, Biathlon, Biathle and Still Water Lifesaving. Attended two World Biathle Champs in Bulgaria and Cyprus and placed 5th at both events.
Role Model: Alistair Brownlee because he is a brilliant athlete who won the Olympic gold for Triathlon in London 2012.
Favourite Food: pasta and chops
How do you spend your down time? Body boarding and playing playstation
Specialist Event/s: Triathlon
Importance of the EADP for you: The EADP is a very important programme because it helps young athletes in the province to reach their full potential. It is really important to me because it has helped me realise where my strengths and weaknesses lie and has given me access to tests that I didn’t even know existed like checking salt levels. I have also learnt a lot from the doctors who have put me on a nasal spray for allergies and this helps my breathing, I have learnt to eat the correct foods from the dieticians, have worked on my body strength with the biokineticists and the physios have helped with injuries. The ice bath has also been great when my muscles are sore after training.
Favourite Drink: Passion fruit and lemonade