Single mom raises all-rounders

Sports mom Shannon Sawyer ran a quarter of the length of the course to support her son, Rhys, during the seventh CGA cross-country league meeting in Germiston on July 20.

With her phone in hand, Shannon ran from the starting line and navigated around the meandering course recording her child as he competed in the U12 3km race.

She repeated that exercise for the second time when Rhys’ twin sister, Teeghan, took part in her race moments after Rhys and his competitors concluded their event.

Shannon explained it is paramount parents showed this kind of support to their children, but warned against pushing them too hard, especially in their development years.

“They still have a long life ahead of them. You cannot set goals for them and expect them to achieve them tomorrow. You need to encourage them and build that slight edge of competitiveness, which is necessary,” she said.

Through Shannon’s unwavering support, twins Teeghan and Rhys have thrived in athletics and academics. They have been consistent in cross-country and track and field events for their club and school.

The 12-year-olds’ success has been nothing short of amazing, but it is Shannon’s affection and presence that have resulted in their steady growth and development.

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“I hope I am making choices to benefit them in the future. I don’t do everything perfectly. I probably make mistakes all the time. But I truly believe the choices I make for them are in their best interest.”

Shannon grew up in an athletics-orientated home in Weltervreden Park in Roodepoort. Her father was a runner and her sister Tamaryn Scott-Smith was a sprinter who represented the country at the 1994 World Junior Championships in Lisbon and the inaugural African Junior Championships in Algiers, also in 1994.

“I used to do cross-country, but I was not as good as my younger sister. Athletics is in our blood. It is in our family. My love for the sport has continued through raising my children.”

Being a single mother has been hard, but she established a strong support system for her children, which she said is crucial in helping them to grow up as all-rounders.

“I encourage them from academic, sports and cultural perspectives. An individual needs to be well-rounded; being involved is important,” Shannon said.

Though she’s employed full-time she sacrifices to be there for her children. This has enhanced their relationship and led to Teaghan and Rhys having a positive outlook on life.

She encouraged other single moms to overcome the difficulties and fully support their children in extramural activities.

“I was born to be a mom. I have the joy of raising them on my own. It is difficult because I have to juggle lots of stuff all the time. But it can be done. You have to make sacrifices. It is not easy, but be there for your children.”

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