If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
At 39 years old, Shane’s life has been one of struggle, yet his story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of perseverance. But behind Shane’s success is a loving story like no other—the unwavering commitment of his mother, Joyce Bentley. In a world where many parents of children with intellectual disabilities face burnout, Joyce has been a constant force in Shane’s life.
CHALLENGES START EARLY
Shane’s journey began before he even took his first breath. Born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck three times, he entered the world fighting for life.
His Apgar score at birth was 5/10—a warning sign of the challenges ahead. His early days were marked by hospital visits, surgeries, and a myriad of health complications. From projectile vomiting and stomach surgeries at just six weeks old to repeated struggles with his vision, breathing, and feeding, Shane’s infancy was anything but ordinary.
Yet, even from a young age, Shane’s indomitable spirit was evident. Despite being delayed in learning to walk and facing multiple surgeries and medical interventions, Shane always seemed to rise above his circumstances.
At three years old, Shane’s family received the life-altering news that his brain hadn’t developed properly in the womb, a condition called colpocephaly. While doctors couldn’t explain why, Shane was diagnosed with a severe intellectual disability. He attended school, where -- despite not learning to read, write, or tell time -- he found his voice. It was here that Shane’s journey with sports began—a journey that would become his greatest outlet and source of empowerment.
Shane’s introduction to sports was a turning point. He wasn’t the fastest, but what he lacked in speed, he made up for in sheer determination. He tried shot put, cross-country, soccer, and floor hockey, but it was on the ice that Shane found his true calling.
Despite early setbacks, he discovered his passion for speedskating—a sport that allowed him to harness his energy and determination in a way that few could have predicted.
Shane’s tenacity on the ice led him to represent South Africa at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria, where he proudly brought home silver and bronze medals in short- track speedskating.
A MOTHER’S LOVE
Throughout this journey, Joyce was always by his side. Her love and dedication never wavered, even when the road was long and uncertain. She ensured that Shane had every opportunity to thrive, from driving him to countless appointments to helping him navigate the challenges of his intellectual disability. And when the time came for Shane to take care of his body, Joyce took the journey with him.
Together, Shane and Joyce embarked on an incredible weight loss journey to prepare Shane for his training and competition. Their weight loss was more than a physical transformation—it was a testament to their shared commitment and love.
The arrival of COVID-19 in 2020 presented yet another challenge. Shane, like so many others, struggled with the isolation and confusion of lockdown. His routines were disrupted, and the anxiety of being confined to his mother’s retirement village took a toll on his mental health. Yet, even in these dark moments, Shane found ways to cope. He would walk 4 to 5 kilometers daily to release his frustrations, and when the world reopened, he returned to his beloved ice skating.
Today, as Shane prepares to represent South Africa once again at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, his story stands as a testament to the power of never giving up. He has taught the world an important lesson: that with determination, love, and support, no challenge is insurmountable.
