Olympic athletes inspire locals to overcome obstacles
ROSEBANK – Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya encourages locals to surround themselves with the right people in order to overcome challenges.
Bridgestone announced their three inspirational brand ambassadors ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games at the CIRCA Gallery in Rosebank on 4 March.
Olympic medallists Caster Semenya, Lawrence Brittain and Josia Thugwane shared their stories of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles before achieving success at the launch event.
Semenya told how she grew up in a village in Limpopo with the dream to run, overcoming a number of obstacles before competing on the international stage. “When my gender was questioned, it was the most difficult time in my life but I had the right people beside me and supporting me to overcome those stumbling blocks,” said Semenya.
“First love yourself and accept who you are,” she said, encouraging others to overcome their personal challenges.
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“My family was my pillars and my foundation during tough times. I live for them and never want to disappoint them.
“I want to inspire others who can look at me and say, ‘If Caster rose above all her challenges, I can do the same’.”
Brittain won silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics just two years after beating cancer. “Cancer is brutal, but you can fight it,” said Brittain. “Getting told I have cancer turned my life upside down. My perspective changed so quickly. I took inspiration from other South Africans who fought through adversity and pushed on.”
He encouraged the public to believe in themselves. “South Africa has so many talented people. It’s just about accessing them and giving them the opportunity to compete.”
Thugwane won Olympic gold at the marathon race in 1996, becoming the first black athlete to win Olympic gold for South Africa. He said that competing at the Olympic games was the only way that he could feed his family. His determination, hard work and endurance gave hope to the nation.
The Bridgestone marketing executive Thandeka Ngoma said the purpose of the Bridgestone Olympic campaign, including a series of heart-warming TV adverts, encourages ordinary South Africans to chase their dreams, overcome obstacles and keep moving. “We want to inspire an Olympic spirit of endurance and resilience in all South Africans,” Ngoma.
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https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/196845/local-schools-celebrate-olympic-glory/
