Jaco Cilliers – Reading Athletic Club and Palmer Park Leisure Centre Member, and Reigning World Champion

Who is Jaco?

At just 25 years of age, Jaco Cilliers has established himself as one of the world's leading athletes with Down syndrome. His journey from a curious teenager in South Africa to reigning World Champion in the discus is an inspiring story of determination, resilience and the life changing power of opportunity and inclusion.

Jaco's love for athletics began at the age of 14 while attending a mainstream secondary school in Johannesburg, South Africa. During preparations for the school's Colours athletics event, he watched fellow athletes throwing the discus and immediately declared, "I want to throw that."
Given the opportunity to try the event, his natural talent was immediately recognised. From that moment onwards, athletics became his passion and has remained the driving force behind his remarkable journey.

In October 2023, Jaco and his family relocated to Reading in the United Kingdom. Continuing his athletics career was a top priority and, shortly after arriving, he received the exciting news that he had been selected to represent South Africa at the 2024 Trisomy Games in Antalya, Turkey.

Reading Athletic Club

Reading Athletic Club welcomed Jaco with open arms, providing exceptional coaching, encouragement and opportunities to compete. As a member of Reading Athletic Club and England Athletics, he trains regularly with the club and competes as a non-scoring athlete in Southern Athletics League meetings.
The club's commitment to inclusion has enabled Jaco to participate fully in every aspect of club life, creating an environment where he is recognised not for his disability, but for his dedication, determination and commitment as an athlete.

Jaco is especially grateful to shot put coach Nigel Spratley, whose encouragement, technical expertise and unwavering belief in his ability have played a significant role in his continued development and international success.

Palmer Park Leisure Centre

Away from the athletics track, Jaco completes his strength and conditioning programme at Palmer Park Leisure Centre.

From the day he became a member, he has always been welcomed, respected and treated as a serious athlete working towards ambitious international goals. The inclusive atmosphere and outstanding facilities have become an important part of his training programme.
Alongside his gym sessions, Jaco also enjoys making full use of the centre's facilities through inclusive swimming and inclusive cycling, helping him develop the strength, endurance and fitness required to compete on the world stage.

Berkshire Brigands Mixed Ability Rugby

Sport has always been an important part of Jaco's life.

Alongside athletics, he is a proud member of the mighty Berkshire Brigands Mixed Ability Touch and Tag Rugby Team, based at Reading RFC.
The club provides another outstanding example of inclusive sport, where teamwork, friendship, enjoyment and belonging are valued every bit as highly as performance.

Raising the bar

Competing internationally transformed Jaco's ambitions.

Making his international debut at the 2024 Trisomy Games in Antalya gave him first hand experience of the exceptionally high standard of competition within the International Association for Athletes with Down Syndrome (IAADS) and Sports Union for Athletes with Down Syndrome (SUDS).
Inspired by competing against the world's very best athletes, Jaco returned home more determined than ever, committing himself to train harder, improve further and pursue his dream of becoming a world champion.

International achievements

Jaco's dedication has produced outstanding results on the international stage.

At the IAADS Open European Athletics Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, in July 2025, he:
· Won the gold medal in the discus
· Finished fourth in the shot put
· Placed eighth in the javelin

His greatest achievement came in June 2026 at the BAUHAUS World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Representing South Africa, Jaco produced the performance of his career by winning the gold medal in the discus and earning the prestigious title of World Champion.
His success extended beyond the discus, finishing an outstanding fourth in the shot put and sixth in the javelin, demonstrating his versatility across all three throwing disciplines.

These achievements are even more remarkable considering the strength of the competition, with athletes from 15 countries and between 22 and 30 competitors in each throwing event.

Looking ahead

Jaco's next major ambition is to represent South Africa at the 2028 Trisomy Games in Mexico, where he hopes to defend his discus title and challenge for a medal in the shot put.

With his unwavering determination, relentless work ethic and the continued support of his family, coaches and clubs, he is committed to pushing his limits and competing at the highest international level for many years to come.

An inspiration to the community

Jaco's story is a powerful reminder that talent has no boundaries and that inclusion creates opportunities for extraordinary achievements.

His journey demonstrates what is possible when determination is matched by encouragement, opportunity and genuine community support. Through the unwavering commitment of organisations such as Reading Athletic Club, Palmer Park Leisure Centre and the Berkshire Brigands, Jaco has been able to flourish both as an athlete and as a valued member of the local sporting community.

Today, he stands not only as a reigning World Champion, but also as an ambassador for inclusion, inspiring athletes, coaches, clubs and communities alike. His achievements prove that when barriers are removed and potential is nurtured, remarkable things can happen.