McGalpine siblings’ Olympics dream excites father
When they succeed, it’s the most rewarding thing for us. We are proud of our boys.”
Kevin McGalpine, father to athletes Jesse and Oliver, is grateful that his sons have chosen an active lifestyle through competitive sports.
The siblings have been a constant feature for Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) juniors in the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) cross-country league season.
“My boys are very competitive,” said Kevin.
“They love to win and enjoy taking part in as many sporting codes as possible. Most children like to do what they are good at and my boys found that they have a God-given talent to run.”
Jesse and Oliver aims to represent the country in the Olympic Games. Kevin said this is possible because of the South African school sport system, which he has hailed for unearthing and nurturing raw talent country-wide.
“The boys dream of representing the country at any level. My boys are aiming to do well to get colours at school and they will then focus on getting scholarships at some of the best sporting schools,” he said.
The brothers have been a roll this season, claiming a podium position after coming second in their categories in the first league meeting in Thokoza in March.
Jesse topped that up with a hard fought fourth-place in the second meeting on a tough and muddy course behind the Faranani Multipurpose Centre in Tsakane in May. Oliver didn’t participate due to illness.
“They are very active. Over and above the training they do at Elite Athletics Performance Academy under coach Michael van Aswegen, they also train at school,” Kevin said.
Jesse is also a cricketer for Benoni Northerns and Young Guns Academy, and will play in the winter league at the end of the month. He’s also done well in Biathle, a combination of swimming and running, and will compete at the provincial champs on August 5 to try to qualify for the nationals in September.
Jesse plays football for Northerns and the SuperSport United Soccer Schools while he’s also a cricketer for Young Guns.
“It’s so important to find the balance between helping them reach their potential and not pushing them too hard. When they succeed, it’s the most rewarding thing for us. We are proud of our boys,” Kevin concluded.
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