Motivational speaker and author Victor Vermeulen slows things down
Local author and motivational speaker discusses his secrets to success and the maintenance of a positive outlook.
International motivational speaker and best-selling author Victor Vermeulen has decided to slow things down these past few years.
The 49-year-old Northcliff resident made a career – and an impact on the lives of thousands – through his talks and book The Victor Within, during the 2000s and 2010s.
His book had forewords by Nelson Mandela and Superman actor Christopher Reeve.
Vermeulen was 19 when a swimming accident turned his life around. He had underestimated the depth of a swimming pool when he dived in.
His promising career as a world-class cricketer had to be abandoned, as a broken neck left him paralysed.
“I have always been realistic about my situation, but I have also been positive and made the most of my circumstances,” he said at his home on Northcliff Hill overlooking Joburg.
“I have also stayed active and done what I can for myself and for others.”
Aside from his book and motivational speaking, Vermeulen went on to coach school cricketers, paint art for fundraisers and help those who are newly-disabled adjust to their new life.
“My secret to it all is my faith and the love, support and confidence my parents gave me. Sport also taught me much, because in cricket you fail more than you succeed; it teaches you tomorrow is another day, and you have to pick yourself up.”
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Vermeulen has always been true to himself.
“In life, half the people will like you and half will not, so it is best to not pretend to be someone else anyway.”
When Jonathan Ancer helped Vermeulen write his book – published in 2001 – there was much talk about stem cell research and a cure for paralysis being found in just a few years.
International icons like Reeve drew much attention and funding to this cause.
“This has dwindled since and I have to admit, I am disappointed in society. We tend to not care about others, unless what they do affects us. In the 31 years I have been disabled and 28 years I have been speaking, not much has been done to help disabled people.”
According to Vermeulen, SA’s hospitals offer little to no support for people who find themselves disabled; some shopping centres have larger lifts while others do not, and abled people still park in disabled bays.
Vermeulen recently spoke at a high school in Kempton Park, and he has another talk lined up with school headmasters at a lodge in Muldersdrift.
But while he used to have about 15 talks a month, he has lowered this to a talk every couple of weeks.
“The effort made to load me and my wheelchair and out of the car – it can be 16 times a day if I am travelling, especially at airports – is not worth it. I do not need the money. I have always been content with what I have ,and do not feel I need to stay as busy as I did at the start.”
He also does not coach young cricketers as often, unless as a favour.
Vermeulen’s mom, Isabella (84), is still his hero.
She is not able to care for him to the extent she could before, but their bond keeps them both going strong.
Details: Victor Vermeulen vicvermeulen73@gmail.com
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