Personal Message:
In February 2007, after competing in my first Corporate Ironman race, which is only a 10th of the full distance, I was inspired by the camaraderie of the athletes and the support of the community for this race. I made a promise to myself that one day I would do an Ironman race. I was always a very enthusiastic supporter, cheering from the side-lines from start to finish and feeling emotional for the athletes struggling through their pain and for those who came in last over the years. The pure resilience and grit Ironman athletes build-up through their training and by competing in the race, inspires me always. After 16 years, I heard Ironman 70.3 would be hosted in my hometown, Nelson Mandela Bay. I grabbed this opportunity with both hands. Five years ago I started working hand in hand with Oosterland Youth Care Centre, a very special home that looks after 100 children between the ages of 2 and 18 years, who are placed there by the courts. It was amazing to hear that they are one of the NPO’s under the IRONMAN4THEKIDZ Foundation. I immediately felt overwhelmed and I decided that I would do the Ironman 70.3 for myself and for all the children at the Oosterland Youth Care Centre in 2022. Unfortunately 3 weeks before the IM 2022 race, I was not cleared to compete due to Covid. It has been a long wait and I'm super excited to race my first IM 70.3 on 5 March 2023. Ironman training has taught me patience, determination, resilience and that fears can be overcome. By joining like-minded athletes in training, I learned that nothing is impossible if you have a positive attitude! Help me by donating to create a better future for the youth of today.
