WHAT Durban North resident, Steve Evans, has achieved in 2017 is nothing short of phenomenal. Evans, who turned 60 this year set himself a goal of completing 60 sporting events before 31 December. After the past weekend, he has now completed 64 and aims to do five more events. In February he took part in eight Midmar Miles and joined an elite group of swimmers (only two other swimmers have achieved this) who have completed a century of Midmar swims.
He also raised R25 000 for Ezemvelo Wildlife’s anti-rhino poaching campaign. Evans, who is a naturally sporty person said he believed his feat was a first in KZN and possibly in South Africa.
What makes his achievements that more remarkable is he has competed in a wide-range of sports, including cycling, surfski paddling, open water swimming in both the ocean and dams, lifesaving events, running, triathlons and river canoeing.
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“People I spoke to thought I was crazy, they said the only way I could achieve this was to include club time trials and I was adamant that I would not do that. So every week I searched for official sporting events and I had to do two per week to keep ahead. I don’t think anyone who has challenged themselves to do this so that was an added motivation for me. I’ve kept a log of all the events I’ve completed and have a box full of medals, including SA titles, from this year’s events.
“Thankfully I remained relatively injury-free. My thinking is if you have your health, why not use it. I’m never going to be able to do 60 sporting events again. You also have to have a very understanding partner, which I do. Without her (Renee), this wouldn’t have been possible. She has supported me and been behind me the whole way which is incredible,” he said.
Evans begins his day by training at 4am which includes a paddle and a run around Durban North. After a full day’s work, he does more training in the gym which includes cycling and swimming.
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“One of the other things is that I don’t just participate, I compete. Which has given this year’s goal added impetus. I want to test my limits and achieve more,” he said.
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