Glenrose Xaba rocked the road on Sunday in a record-breaking way! Her debut Cape Town Marathon saw the athlete crowned champion of the race while setting a new course and national marathon records in the process!

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2024) — Cape Town roads were filled with a kaleidoscope of sneakers, cheers of enthusiasm and songs of endurance over the weekend. It was thrilling to watch as the sea of runners charged forward, one foot in front of the other, even when everything in their bodies told them to give it a rest (you could actually see some legs shaking in protest). While each had their own reasons for participating in the Cape Town Marathon, some were gunning for the big leagues, like champs’ titles and record-breaking moments. For Glenrose Xaba, both of these feats would soon be achieved in a feat of road-rocking moments!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (@capetownmarathon)

South Africa’s Glenrose claimed the Women’s win with a time of 2:22:22. Thanks to her, a South African got to stand on the top tier of the podium (the men’s title went to Ethiopia’s Abdisa Tola for a time of 2:08:16). Not only this, Glenrose set a new record both for the course and for South Africa’s marathon history; taking the baton on from Gerda Steyn’s previous record which was a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 3 seconds.

This was Glenrose’s debut Cape Town marathon, too. But, to be fair, she is the current South African 5,000 and 10,000 metre and 10km road record holder, with an obvious knack for long-distance dominance.

Nonetheless, it’s still remarkable that she achieved the feat on her first go around the Cape Town Marathon route. Moreover, her win was one of resilience, considering the relentless winds that ensued over the weekend.

“I didn’t want to say before the race, but my goal had been the course record,” the champ shared before adding that she was shocked to have broken both the course and national record.

“I’m humbled to have taken Gerda’s South African record.”

Sources: Cape Town Marathon

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Glenrose Xaba’s Debut Cape Town Marathon Rocks the Road!  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

30 sporting heroes, local legends and Olympians are set to be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame!

South Africa (22 August 2024) — South Africa’s story is one of triumph, unity, and resilience, driven by the extraordinary achievements of its people. This narrative is perhaps most vividly illustrated through the power of sport. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

South Africans have repeatedly felt this unity and pride, whether it’s witnessing our national team win the Rugby World Cup (multiple times at that) or seeing our athletes ascend the podium at the Olympic Games. These moments have become milestones in our national identity and heritage, embodying the spirit of perseverance and triumph on the global stage!

This sentiment is at the heart of The South African Hall of Fame, where the talent, determination, and diversity that define our nation are honoured.

The South African Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognising the extraordinary achievements of South Africans while inspiring the next generation of local legends through various initiatives.

Its mission is to celebrate extraordinary successes while identifying and nurturing the “future legends” who will carry our nation’s flag into the future. In this spirit, 30 of our national sporting heroes are being inducted into The South African Hall of Fame this year!

These remarkable individuals, all retired South African athletes, have made history since our nation’s re-admission to the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992. Their successes span a diverse range of sports, including tennis, swimming, athletics, rowing, canoeing, surfing, and rugby. This induction celebrates both individual and team achievements and pays tribute to the collective spirit that unites us as a nation.

Athletic Legends

• Elana Meyer
• Frantz Kruger
• Godfrey Khotso Mokoena
• Hestrie Cloete
• Hezekiél Sepeng
• Josia Thugwane
• Llewellyn Herbert
• Mbulaeni Mulaudzi
• Sunette Viljoen

Canoeing Legends

• Bridgette Hartley

Rowing Legends

• Donovan Cech,
• James Thompson
• Lawrence Brittain
• Matthew Brittain
• Ramon di Clemente
• Shaun Keeling
• Sizwe Ndlovu

Tennis Legends

• Piet Norval
• Wayne Ferreira

Swimming Legends

• Cameron van den Berg
• Darian Townsend
• Lyndon Ferns
• Marianne Kriel
• Penny Heyns
• Roland Schoeman
• Ryk Neethling
• Terence Parkin

Surfing Legends

• Bianca Buitendag.

The 2016 Blitzboks for Rugby Sevens Legends are also to be inducted.

Sources: Press Release 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Local Legends to Be Inducted into the SA Hall of Fame!  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Zenani Kraai from Langa made his Olympic debut this year as part of the South African men’s hockey team; making him only the second person from Cape Town’s Langa Hockey Club to achieve this:

Cape Town, South Africa (16 August 2024) — When Zenani Kraai learned that he had made the Olympic team set to compete in Paris for men’s hockey, he knew he was not just representing himself. This was for Langa, and every young sportsperson who had ever been told they could not achieve something because of their circumstances.

“When I heard my name during the announcement, I couldn’t believe it. I was watching TV with my family, and our names were coming up, and I was anxious,” Zenani recalls. “Everyone jumped up and started screaming when my name popped up, it was a special moment, one that I’ll never forget.”

Arriving in Paris, Zenani had made history for Langa as only the second player from Cape Town’s Langa Hockey Club to make it to the Olympics. The first was Lungile Tsolekile who competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Zenani was also one of the youngest players in the men’s hockey team.

It was the realisation of years of work for the young player who shares that getting into the team alone was something of an odyssey.

“It wasn’t an easy journey,” Zenani says. “I had to work extremely hard to get into the team, but all of it was worth it in the end.”

Getting to the Olympic Village was “unreal” for him as he got to see and chat with all the famous athletes that most of us typically won’t engage with beyond our TV screens.

But despite the sensation of being in a dreamland, the Games were still very much a battleground. The South African men’s team didn’t have an easy stretch, losing three of their five matches against the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain.

In their favour, they drew against Great Britain and ended the tournament on a big high when they beat France 5-2.

“We lost the small moments, for instance against Great Britain. We were meant to win that game things didn’t go our way and that disappointed us,” Zenani says.

Adding the up-side, Zenani shares: “With that said, there’s a lot to learn. We played against top teams and now we see where we stand against those teams, and we can prepare much better heading into the future.”

Regardless of how the Games turned out, Zenani was welcomed back as a hero, especially to the people of Langa.

Zenani hopes that his story of being born and raised in the township and attending Thembani Primary School and Langa High School will show the young people of Langa that where you come from does not define you.

“It’s a massive thing for the community and the Hockey Club,” Zenani says.

“Being born and attending school here should hopefully show the generation that it’s possible. I just hope they’re inspired, and never stop chasing their dreams.”

Sources: Sportsboom.com

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post From Langa to the Olympics: Zenani Kraai Inspires Community! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South African women are no strangers to reigning supreme in the exhilarating world of ultra-trail marathons. And for many trailblazers, much of their success is chalked down to an obvious secret:

South Africa (12 August 2024) — When it comes to reigning supreme and achieving one’s goals in the world of ultra-trail marathons, a great deal of mental strength goes part-in-parcel with any physical ability.

Dominating mountain landscapes against the clock means upping the ante of endurance in more ways than simple physical strain. It’s not something everyone wants to (or can) tackle. But for those who fall in love with the sport, there’s nothing quite like the intensely rewarding experience.

Many South African women happen to be remarkable examples of reigning supreme in ultra-trail marathons and are certified trailblazers. Women like Jess Barrow and Riana van der Merwe are formidable names in the field. But their secret to success (beyond intense hard work) boils down to something beyond training schedules—it’s their resilience as women.

Jess began her adventure into the world of trail running in 2016 when she decided to take a leap of faith. Postpartum with her third child and yearning for a new thrill, she opted to join a friend in running the Otter Trail Run. With very little training but a heart full of determination, Jess successfully completed the race and, with tired legs—walked away with a newfound passion.

Eight years and two more children later, she is a trail-running powerhouse, with her youngest now following in her footsteps.

“The Ultra’s have always lured me…The physical and mental journey of a 100 or 160km race is unparalleled. It’s an experience that fulfils me in a way that shorter distances never could.

Riana, on the other hand, also began her trek into trail running unexpectedly. Coming from a high-altitude mountaineering background, in 2007, while waiting for a weather window in the Swiss Alps, Riana and her partner discovered a poster for the Zermatt marathon.

They entered the race on a whim and soon, Riana was hooked.

Riana quickly transitioned to ultra distances and tackled her first Kway Skyrun 100km later that year. Since then, she has completed numerous ultra races worldwide and in South Africa.

While there’s no singular path to becoming successful in something like ultra-trail marathons, for Riana, being a woman is part of her success.

“Women are machines who can multitask. In ultra trails, a lot can go wrong, but women plan their work and work their plan. We are used to juggling multiple responsibilities, and that makes us stronger.”

Women like Jess and Riana van der Merwe are part of a growing trend of female ultra-trail runners reigning supreme in the sport—but there are many more across the world like America’s Courtney Dauwalter who won the top three biggest ultra-trail mountain races around the world in 2023 (The Hardrock, Western States and UTMB).

Research indicates that women tend to excel in endurance sports due to their ability to maintain a steady pace, use energy efficiently and because of exceptional pain tolerance. These, in addition to multitasking abilities honed through balancing careers, family and training, further contribute to success.

There may be no one-size-fits-all mould to being a woman. But, the experiences we have as women do shape the way we interact with the world, our dreams and goals. Being accustom to wearing many hats in a society where glass-ceilings are still in place translates to a different kind of adaptability that, when unleashed, is often nothing short of awe-provoking.

As Jess prepares for her fifth Kway Skyrun and Riana looks forward to her 17th, their stories exemplify the spirit of perseverance, adventure, and competitive excellence.

Sources: Supplied 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post The Secret to Reigning Supreme in Ultra-Trail Marathons appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South African Olympian, flag-bearer and trailblazing gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz will tonight hoist South Africa’s flag high at the opening Olympic ceremony! But before she represents our nation, she opened up about what it’s been like to come this far in her sports career, why representation matters and her expectations for the Games!

South Africa (26 July 2024) — Today marks the official start of the 2024 Paris Olympics, and South Africa couldn’t be more thrilled at the diverse arrangement of talent who will be representing our nation. One of them, is South African gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz.

As a gymnast, Caitlin has blazed a formidable trail for aspiring athletes—especially those who, for many years, did not have role models who looked like them. Her rise on the global stage, becoming one of the first gymnasts of colour to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games alongside Naveen Davies, was an immense point of pride for her. She also made history recently when South Africa’s Olympic flag bearers were announced as the first South African gymnast to hoist our flag high!

Caitlin recently sat down to share her experiences with South Africa who will be rooting for her all the way in Paris, speaking to her first Olympic run, what it felt like to become a flag bearer and more.

Her First Taste in Tokyo

Olympics 2020, was the first Olympic Games the fiercely talented gymnast Caitlin attended and the realisation of a dream come true.

“When I found out I was attending the Olympics in Tokyo, little Caitlin [Rooskrantz] was definitely over-joyed. It was one of those moments for me that everything finally came together and worked out,” she told SportsBoom.com.

“Getting to the Olympic Games was definitely a dream of mine and I did not know if it was possible or not. But having faith, believing and working hard and ultimately getting to the games was definitely a dream come true. And walking away from Tokyo as an Olympian was really something special.”

Chances of Glory at the Olympics 

Throughout her career as a gymnast, Caitlin has earned accolades such as a Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games and a couple of Gold medals at the World Cup. But as for the Olympics, she is still excited to see what she can achieve.

“Honestly, I don’t put pressure on myself and never have. There is always external pressure as an athlete. My biggest goal is just to keep getting better from where I was at the last Olympic Games [finished below 25th overall].”

“At the time [2020 Olympics] I got a personal best performance and I have done better since. Going into the Paris Olympic Games, my biggest goal is to do better than last year.”

“The external pressure I refer to is the fans and the media. The people I know who have been there with me through my journey understand how gymnastics, don’t put pressure on me at all.”

“At the end of the day, as much as it is an elite sport, it is gymnastics and anything can happen because it is such a technical sport. No matter how prepared you can be, it’s all about having the ideal competition on the day and you only have one chance to do it.”

“There is a lot that can go wrong and a lot that can go right. Naturally there will always be pressure from fans but it’s not something I put on myself.”

On Becoming a Team South Africa Flag Bearer

Alongside SA sprinter Akani Simbine and other local legends, Caitlin has the honour of carrying the South African flag at tonight’s opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“When I found out, it was definitely a moment of pride and honour. I did not expect it at all. If you look at the history of flag bearers, we’ve never had a gymnast flag bearer. This is a statement for Gymnastics South Africa that we are on the rise, especially such a small sporting code and breaking barriers,” she added.

“This is a sign and beacon of hope for all the young and aspiring gymnasts that the possibilities are endless. Hard work never goes unnoticed and I am super excited to be awarded the opportunity to lead South Africa alongside Akani [Simbine] at the Paris Olympic Games.”

An Advocate of Representation

“Representation is definitely a big thing for me, I think especially in South Africa. People who look up to you, they need to see people who look like them doing such great things and especially a sport like gymnastics which was in the past predominantly white.”

“I remember for myself growing up in sports, I wasn’t always sure if the sport [gymnastics] was for me and if I had a future in it. But through a lot faith and trusting that things would work out how they were supposed to and that was the big motivating factor for me and just keep going.”

“Those little girls and boys need to see that there is someone like them that is breaking barriers and achieving. That my ceiling is their floor and the possibilities are endless.”

Training Prep

“Training has been good, since my qualification [Olympics Qualifier] towards the end of last year. The main goal from last year was to get me to The Games and help me to peak at the right time.”

“It’s definitely been stepping stones this year with a few competitions on the way for some experience and to get comfortable. It’s been good, the last few weeks leading up to training camp here in France and I’m in a good space and healthy,” she concluded.

Sources: Supplied—Sportsboom.com

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post In Conversation with Olympic Gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South African icon athlete Caster Semenya will be one of many racers at this year’s SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane! Who’s ready to race against the legend?

Tshwane, South Africa (26 July 2024) — Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya will be making history when she lines up for the start of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane on 3 August 2024!

South Africa’s iconic athlete (who is also long a supporter of the race) is set to participate in the 10km event at SuperSport Park in Centurion—making the event that much more exciting for those taking on the challenge alongside Caster.

A familiar face at the event who has cheered on athletes and inspired young talent, Semenya has always been a staunch supporter of the race, from cheering runners on from the sidelines to helping junior and senior athletes reach their own event goals—many of whom have gone on to achieve great success like competing in the prestigious Grand Prix Series.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Caster join us as a participant this year,” said Retha Ingenbleek, SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane Race Organiser. “Her presence will undoubtedly inspire countless women and girls to lace up their running shoes and take on the challenge. She is a true champion and a role model for all.”

Semenya expressed her excitement about participating in the race, sharing:  “I’ve always admired the SPAR Women’s Challenge for its dedication to empowering women through sport. This is a special moment for me, and I can’t wait to experience the race as a participant. I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves and achieve their goals.”

The highly anticipated event will see thousands of women join in resilience under the 2024 theme #ChooseYou—a call to individual empowerment for women across our country.

How to Enter

You can head to your nearest SPAR or SuperSport Park from Monday, 29 July, between 10h00 and 18h00! Entries are now open here.

Sources: Supplied 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Caster Semenya to Join SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South Africa’s Ernesta Strydom has been appointed as an International Para Athletics Technical Official yet again, where she will play ref for the world’s best para-athletes:

Global (24 July 2024) — We can hardly believe that the countdown to the Paris Olympics has dwindled to only a few hours until showtime while the Paralympics is only a handful of weeks away. The time has flown fiercely, our athletes are amped and South Africa is as ready as ever to show the world what we’ve got. But, we won’t just be strutting our stuff as competitors—South Africa will also have our eyes and ears to the ground, ensuring that all games are fair thanks to people like Ernesta Strydom, who will play ref at the Paralympics!

Ernesta has been appointed as an International Para Athletics Technical Official (ITO) for the Paralympics, making it her fifth time at the Paralympics.

Ernesta first qualified in 2006 and has gone on to qualify for multiple Games since then.

Speaking to the South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD) where she also serves on the NEC, she shared her highlights from her experience at the games over the years.

From Beijing 2008, big highlights for her were when Nicholas Newman won bronze for the Javelin F36 while Teboho Mokgalagadi scooped gold for the 100m T35. She had coached both of the athletes when they were juniors.

From London in 2012, she got to experience the South African 100m relay team T42-47 winning gold and breaking a world record as the umpire who oversaw the second take over zone.

And from Tokyo in 2020, she shares that robots serving them water and bringing the implements to athletes was one highlight, while Louzanne Coetzee and guide Claus Kempen winning bronze in the T12 women’s marathon was the brightest highlight.

As for what she is looking forward to from Paris, Ernesta shares:

“Definitely being part of the opening ceremony and officiating at the Stade de France with its purple athletics track and where the Springboks won the World Cup in 2023.”

Ernesta adds that she’s also looking forward to meeting “all [her] dear athletics friends from all over the world” and “seeing our South African para-athletes competing and defending their medals won in 2021 in Tokyo.” 

Sources: SASAPD 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South Africa’s Ernesta Strydom to Ref the Paralympic Games! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

At 80 years young, Karel “The Legend” Dolak is set to head off to the UCI World Championships to represent South Africa! If you ever needed a sign to take up something new no matter where you’re at in life, Karel’s story might just be exactly what you need to read today…

Gauteng, South Africa (16 July 2024) — If you needed someone to inspire you to try something new no matter your age, Karel Dolak, also known as “The Legend”, might just have you hopping on the bike you never ride or taking a leap of faith on something you’ve always wanted to do but always make excuses for.

At 80 years young, Karel is gearing up for something remarkable thanks to an opportunity to represent South Africa at the UCI World Championships in Aalborg, Denmark, where he and his bike will certainly make SA proud.

But what makes Karel’s champion moment in the making quite so inspiring isn’t just the fact that he’s ‘still got it’; it’s that he only started cycling at the tender age of 66 years old—a time when many hang up their boxing gloves guided by the myth that taking up something new is for those just starting out their lives.

As Karen Furstenberg who has known Karel for several years tells Good Things Guy:

“Karel only started cycling when he was 66, after an injury sustained from playing soccer and he was told he could no longer continue with soccer.” It wasn’t long until The Legend earned his nickname in the world of cycling.

“He is very well known in the cycling circles around the Cradle, always smiling, always friendly, always positive, always keen for a chat on and off the bike and always there to help anyone in need,” Karen adds.

Despite the ebbs and flows of life on and off the road (including getting knocked down by a car and breaking his femur), Karel has proven his resilience time and time again—always getting back on the saddle.

Last year was a particularly sparkling one for Karel after he earned 1st place in his age category for the long trek down to Durban ending with the Amashova despite awful rain and wind conditions.

He then went on to register for The Gauteng Road Champs after insistence from his son Karel Jnr (who is also cyclist) and went on to become the champion for his age category followed by another fantastic achievement.

“He won the Gauteng Champs quite convincingly and went on to win the National Championships too. There was a lot of head scratching from the other contenders—here is a man, no knowledge of racing, no fancy nutrition, old heavy bike, no coach and he arrives out of the blue to win the SA National Road Champs in his age category,” beams Karen.

“I asked him afterwards what he believes his ‘magic’ is and he just says “I love cycling.”

Isn’t that something?

Beyond his cycling chops, Karel has touched many people as a source of great inspiration for all age groups.

Because of his beloved presence in the cycling community, it came as no surprise that when he was selected to compete in the World Champs, many people came together to pay his way there in full including a local radio station!

We’ll be rooting for Karel loud and proud come the UCI World Championships on the 28 August to 1 September, and invite the rest of South Africa to do the same.

Sources: Website Submission—Karen Furstenberg

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post At 80 Karel ‘The Legend’ and His Bike Are Off to the World Champs appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Young basketball player Samkelo Cele has been selected to play for the New York Knicks as part of the NBA Summer League!

Global (16 July 2024)—South African basketball fans might know Samkelo Cele as one of the Cape Town Tiger’s fiercest players or as one of the Basketball Africa League (BAL)’s formidable first team members. But now, Samkelo has a new title that’s made South Africa and his home city of Durban enormously proud—he’s going to get a taste of the National Basketball Association (NBA) with none other than the New York Knicks for the NBA Summer League!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by AfroBallers (@afroballers)

It’s the kind of opportunity most young hoopers spend most of their time dreaming about and working toward. This is something the rising star recognises, sharing that receiving the call was nothing short of “surreal”.

“I couldn’t believe it, even though it was something I had wanted and hope for because opportunities have been spoken about since last year’s BAL,” he told ESPN when reflecting on the moment the dream came true.

The 27-year-old player hailing from Durban has come a long way to get a taste of the big leagues. From his days learning the courts at Durban Boys High School to heading overseas to play college basketball and all the countless hours of work that led him to the Tigers and BAL, this is hardly an overnight success story. However, it’s one that South Africa will keep very close to our hearts as many now associate Samkelo as the face of hope for young South African basketball players who have dreams as big as his.

Meanwhile, in other news of South Africa’s breaking barriers in prestigious leagues, Harrison Brunicke has come a long way from Joburg to making the skating history books for South Africa with the young ice hockey star becoming the first South African-born skater to be selected for the NHL draft in decades!

Sources: Various (Linked Above) 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South Africa’s Samkelo Cele Gets a Taste of the NBA! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Olympian Lythe Pillay and hundreds of winter care packages brought smiles to young cancer fighters recently, just in time for the heart of winter:

South Africa (28 June 2024) — The Cupcakes of Hope team has been even busier bees than usual as of late as they worked hard to ensure that hundreds of winter care bags made their way to paediatric oncology wards across South Africa just in time for the heart of winter. While the care bags have been a warmly welcomed gift all their own, for some cancer fighters, more surprises arrived alongside the goodie bags, including visits from Olympian Lythe Pillay.

Lythe (who has his name on both official Olympic athlete lists) will be representing South Africa in athletics both for the 4x400m and the 400m. As Johannesburg’s own champion of sprinters, this will be the young Olympian’s second Olympic opportunity—hardly shabby for someone who is only in their early 20s.

Beyond the Paris preparations, Lythe has also been making sure to make his time in South Africa count before jetting off to France. For the Cupcakes of Hope team and the cancer fighters, Lythe’s visit was a treat all its own, said to have brought many smiles to the young patients’ faces.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cupcakes of Hope (@cupcakesofhope)

In addition to the speedster, Commonwealth medalist and Judo star Ruben Cordier also popped by to make the winter care bag distributions that much more legendary.

The unsung champions in this story, however, are all those who made the winter care bags possible.

As Cupcakes of Hope shared, the initial goal was 540 care bags, and 602 ended up being delivered, filled with toiletries and winter-ready goodies from treats to cozy blankies—all achieved in a single month, no less.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cupcakes of Hope (@cupcakesofhope)

Needless to say, you don’t need to be an Olympian to share a little kindness with someone else. But, if you are athletically inclined, the 6kforStehan campaign is still on, and you can lend your support by jogging, swimming, dancing—however you like to move, or simply by making a donation here. 

Sources: Cupcakes of Hope 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Olympian Lythe Stops By to Bring Smiles to Cancer Fighters appeared first on Good Things Guy.