London — Jaco Engelbrecht received a surprise three days before he competes at the World Athletics Championships here — his son was born earlier than expected. "My second one was actually born just two hours ago now‚ my little boy‚ Jeandre‚" the 30-year-old shot put competitor said at the warm-up track next to London Stadium on Wednesday morning. "All went well‚ and he weighed in at 3.76kg." That is about half the weight of the 7.26kg steel ball he will negotiate in the qualification round on Saturday evening. "He’s just more precious than the shot‚" added the Randburg High School teacher. He also has a daughter, who turns three in two weeks. Engelbrecht said the baby had been expected next week. "They were shopping and [my wife] said‚ ‘uh-huh‚ there’s something wrong‚ I’ve got to go to the hospital’." Engelbrecht said he had considered remaining at home for the birth. "It was a joint decision‚ you know‚ and if you make the final, the accolades and stuff you get can mean much more ...
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