Alberton High learner to represent SA in Nigeria

Matthew Lester has been selected to represent South Africa at the Track African Continental Championships to be held in Abuja, Nigeria in June.

The Grade 12 learner from Alberton High School and fervent cyclist has made his school proud after his triumph and will not only represent Eastern Gauteng but the whole country in the championships.

His journey with cycling took off at the peak of Covid-19 in August 2020.

“I began riding during lockdown due to being unable to do any physical activities. My father had an indoor cycling trainer which used to lie around the house and I asked him if I could start riding and keeping fit until we were allowed out of our houses,” said Matthew.

Eventually, lockdown ended and he began racing, fuelling his love for the sport.

“That is when all the fun began, I enjoyed seeing how much I was improving at it and after a while, I considered myself a cyclist. My greatest influence during my journey is my grandfather, Jack Lester and my father Norman Lester. They were both Springbok cyclists in their days and their knowledge of the sport has been nothing more than helpful in my racing and training,” he said.

Matthew, who is following in the footsteps of his family, said he has received great support from family and friends on his journey.

“My grandfather Matt Minnie, who was the previous principal of Alberton High School, has also been a big help during the process. It was because of him that I was accepted into Alberton High without hesitation and it has made my focus on my academics, as well as my sport, improve drastically,” he said.