Jayden van Heerden
| Born | 11 January 2009 |
| School | Afrikaanse Hoer Seunsskool Pretoria |
| Lives in | Gauteng, South Africa |
Story
Jayden Van Heerden was born prematurely at 32 weeks with a physical challenge known as amnio-band syndrome – a condition occurring in the womb that did not allow his left foot to develop below the ankle.
After two operations to remove the amnio-bands, as well as to straighten Jyaden’s leg, he was fitted with his first prosthesis at eight months.
He is enthusiastic about sport and living his life without limitations.
In 2009 he became a beneficiary of the Jumping Kids Prosthetic Fund – a registered South African NPO that provides access to quality prosthetics, holistic rehabilitation, school and sport for children living with lower limb amputation or deficiency.
In 2023 he was the beneficiary recipient of an educational bursary to start high school at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunsskool Pretoria thanks to a fundraising drive facilitated by the Jumping Kids charity in collaboration with the Rumbler Cup Golfers.
That same year, he was named as one of the school’s Most Promising Sportsmen for 2023 for his achievements in athletics.
Apart from making his mark as ‘one to watch’ on the Para athletics scene, Jayden also excels in Karate on a national level. He aims to represent South Africa at a future Paralympic Games.
HIGHLIGHTS since becoming a Jumping Kids beneficiary…
- Won 200m bronze and 100m silver for South Africa at the 2025 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Gold for Gauteng Province with a new South African Record in the boys under-17 T64 100m, 200m, and 400m events at the Bloemfontein 2024 Toyota SASAPD National Championships.
- Gold for Gauteng Province with a new South African Record (01:03.70 ) in Men’s U-17 400m T13/46/47/61/64 Final at the 2023 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Gold for Gauteng Province with a new South Africa Record (4.40m) in Men’s U-17 Long Jump T13/44/46/61/64 Final at the 2023 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Gold for Gauteng Province with a new South Africa Record (00: 08) in Men’s U-17 200m T43/61/64 Final at the 2023 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Gold for Gauteng Province with a new South Africa Record (00:13.62) in Men’s U-17 100m T43/61/64 Final at the 2023 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Gold (31.71) for Gauteng in the 200m U 14 Men’s Mixed Classes final final at the 2022 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Germiston, South Africa.
- Gold (14.93) for Gauteng in the 100m U 14 Men’s Mixed Classes final at the 2022 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Germiston, South Africa.
- Gold (3.99m) for Gauteng in the Long Jump U 14 Men’s Mixed Classes final at the 2022 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Germiston, South Africa.
Social Media:
Facebook: Jayden van Heerden
Q&A
Best Jumping Kids moment/s
As a Jumping Kids beneficiary, Jayden is exposed to all manner of situations, encouraged to strive for best results, and shown that anything is possible. He loves attending Jumping Kids assessments and events to show-off new physical skills.
Future goal/s
As parents we are very positive about Jayden’s future. We treat him as ‘normal’ and support him in everything he does. He is a persistent go-getter with a happy, can-do attitude. He inspires us!
Message
To families facing similar challenges – remember to remain positive, be a good role model and realise it is not what you say, but what you do that makes a difference. Being part of the Jumping Kids family is a tremendous source of support.