S. Africa Wushu to be tested in Beijing

S. Africa Wushu to be tested in Beijing

With just over 40 days to go before the start of Wushu competition in Beijing, members of South Africa men's team are also sharpening their skills. They are going to take part in two events during the non-Olympic competition: the men's rapier and the men's broadsword.

The International Olympic Committee confirmed on December 26, 2006 that Wushu will appear during the Beijing Olympics as a special sport. A total of 15 martial arts events will be held, allowing 8 athletes to compete in each of them. Two invitations have been allocated to Africa, with Egypt taking part in the events of the Men's Nanquan and the Men's Nangun, while South Africa will take part in the Men's Rapier and the Men's Broadsword. Representing South Africa in the events is Bryan Son, a 22-year-old third generation Chinese South African.

Having had years of experiences in learning Wushu, Son has been making rapid progress in the past few years under the guidance of Yang Lihua - a former Chinese martial arts athlete, and currently head coach for the South Africa Wushu team. Son is especially skillful in the apparatus department.

Yang Lihua, Head Coach of South Africa Wushu Team said "As they have to work to make a living, our athletes can only train in their spare time, which normally comes down to twice a week and two hours for each session. We are going to have a two-week intensive training in Beijing before the Olympic Games begins, and I hope that'll help our athlete improve greatly and have good results from the competitions."

Wushu have become a fad in South Africa in recent years. Bryon Son is just one of some 400 amateurs lucky enough to be picked to represent South Africa in Beijing. He hopes he'll be good enough to earn a medal or two for his country.