Images : Charl Tait |
An athlete is broadly defined as someone who competes in one or more sports that involve physical strength , speed or endurance . In the modern era , an athlete who has that proficiency can monetise that ability through exposure , branding and influencing , and in so doing , become a professional athlete . That is not the modern athlete I am referring to . This is about the amateur athlete . The two-time cancer survivor – that ’ s Edna Ytier – who uses physical activity to keep the body and mind strong . And the formerly obese man – that ’ s me – who found a way to maintain a healthier weight and adopt a heathier lifestyle .
Never Too Late to Start
Edna and I recently competed in the Tri The Vines Triathlon in Ceres , in the Western Cape , in mid- November . Not our first , admittedly , but an important milestone none the less . This time , she did it on her own , without a “ safety blanket .” You see , Edna only learnt to swim four years ago . From scratch . As in , supporting hands under the body , arms out in front , and “ kick , kick , kick !” ( Thank you , Jonathan Guy , for all your patience , perseverance and motivation .)
You can ’ t miss Eddi at events . She is short , petit , and no matter what the terrain or environment , she has the widest , most beautiful smile on her face . She now
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competes as a Master , and often podiums in her gender in both trail running and mountain biking . In fact , she often beats many of the younger athletes , too .
Just before my 50th birthday , I peaked at 148 kilograms , but thanks to a healthy diet , I dropped 20kg . With the increased mobility , I started walking , then running ( slowly ), and as the weight continued to drop , I got faster , more confident , and finally did my first triathlon five years ago . I now compete at around 105kg , but my quality of life is immeasurably better .
In this latest triathlon , and despite a broken chain and buckled chainring , I still won my age category . The fact that I was the oldest competitor there was a bit of a revelation . ( We were supposed to do the duathlon the following day too , but one broken bike and one broken body proved to be two hurdles too many .)
A Different Outlook
Why do I share this ? Because in my mind , the modern athlete can be redefined in so many ways . ( With apologies to the Editor of this mag .) Yes , it could be you , in your late 20s or early 30s , with your defined body and effortless motion , but it is also the older athlete . The one with the mental fortitude to continue when many others would have given up .
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Who has survived life in all its shapes and adversarial forms , and who has found in sport an enjoyment and fulfilment that may have been missing in younger years .
We older but equally modern athletes , and we survivors , have earned the right to be proud of our achievements , and to celebrate our small victories . Some event organisers recognise our commitment , but sometimes it would be nice if more took cognisance of our presence . So , to all of you who can relate , and who know what I am referring to , I salute you . And I look forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to share all your unique and inspiring stories .
Cancer survivor Eddi in her running element
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