George Mehale: An inspiration for all
Hard work, dedication, faith and sacrifice are some of the things that George Mehale attributes to his success.
POLOKWANE –Â George, a man of many talents, is well known for his athletic capabilities and strongly believes in bettering the lives of others through an active lifestyle and being successful through hard work and merit. “Being successful means you should ask if you do not know, make sacrifices and learn from your mistakes,” he told BONUS.
Born and raised in Limpopo, George attended high school in Seshego where he was well known for his soccer abilities. He completed a teaching course at Setotolwane Teachers Training School and got involved in athletics.
He specialised in 400 m and 400 m hurdles. He then added a few titles to his name before earning an athletics scholarship to the University of Texas, El Paso in the US where he is now a proud hall of fame member. It is there where George obtained a BA degree in physical education and health before he earned a Master’s degree in sports management and administration at Long Beach State University in California.
After completing his studies overseas, George returned to South Africa in 2010 and has since been hard at work putting his acquired skills to the test. “It’s tough getting a job in our country. Everything revolves around who you know instead of what you have accomplished or what qualifications and skills you possess,” he says. He opened the MEMA Athletic Club in 2011 with the goal to send at least one athlete to the 2016 Olympic Games. “This did not transpire but all the members are dedicated to their fitness routines and we now have set our sights on the 2020 Olympics.”
George says it is important to stay active and informed about athletic events around the world in order to stay motivated.
According to George, sport has no colour, status or class but says it unites countries, communities and people.
George believes in gender equality, especially in sport, and his dream is that South Africa increases the number of women in sport by the 2020 Olympics. “We must act as a country to recognise women who excel in sport, not only in the workplace,” he continues.
George says the key to competition is mental toughness, preparation, sacrifice, good coaching, planning as well as good communication. “To compete at the highest level, we need financial support, good coaches, great facilities and talent identification in the province and in the country.”
His goal is to see Limpopo be the forerunner in producing star athletes. George loves spending time with his family, attending church and reading. He says the best way to learn and make a success of yourself is to ask for advice.
“When you fail, get up and start again,” he advises.
