Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 121, August 2019 | Page 66

MULTISPORT
me, and made me realise
that I had to train more,
especially my swimming.
After that, I decided to
spend more hours in the
company of my swimming
coach, Anwar Rinquest from
Marlin Swimming club.”
When Ameen’s swimming
improved, Anwar suggested
that he swim the Robben
Island Crossing in 2016.
“At first I said no, because
it was a 7.5km swim in the
cold Atlantic, but Anwar
was very convincing. He
said that I shouldn’t worry,
because it’s not that bad,
but it was the scariest event
in my life, as you are in the
deepest of dark waters,
with so much that could go
wrong. To me, the best part
of the swim was feeling the
sand between my toes as
I reached Blouberg Beach!
And seeing my family on the
shore, waiting for my arrival,
made it so worth it.”
“The experience was very humbling, and I could never have imagined that I would
participate in an event of this magnitude. It really required some mental strength
and a positive mind to complete the event and get to the finish. But the famous
quote by Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done,” motivates
me both in my sport and life, reminding me that I can achieve many things if I am
willing to put in the hard work.”
JOINED BY THE FAMILY
Inspired by Ameen’s example, Thakira started running in 2015 and took part in
her first Two Oceans Half Marathon. She went on to also do some swimming
and cycling events, and last year she tackled her first duathlon at the Freshpak
Fitness Festival, with very little training, according to Ameen. “I was impressed that
she survived such a baptism of fire. I had told her the route was flat, so she was
not at all impressed when she saw the bike route with its killer hills. But it is this
toughness that inspires me and the kids.”
Their boys have also gone on to participate in running, open water swimming,
duathlon and triathlon events over the past three years. “Our children are still young,
so they need to be kept busy with constructive engagements where they can enjoy
and excel at the same time,” says Ameen. “Having sporty kids can be hectic at
times, as I am sure all parents can attest to, but you always try to give your kids a life
of balance between sports, academics, and most importantly, spirituality.”
Ameen goes on to say that family bonds are important to him, and aside from
his wife and kids being involved alongside him in sporting events, he has also
encouraged and motivated his parents and brother to take up a more active
lifestyle. “We couldn’t do what we do as a family without the support of our
parents, and for the kids, having such involved grandparents has also been an
amazing blessing, because it also allows my wife and I to train and participate in
events. For this we are very grateful.”
INSPIRED BY FELLOW ATHLETES
Unfortunately, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing on Ameen’s sporting journey. One of
the lowest moments came with the passing in January this year of his good friend
and training partner, Abdullah Peters. “That made me realise that life is short, that
you need to make the most of your time and your opportunities. We used to run
and swim together, and he entered us into the Quaggaskloof 10km swimming race,
which we swam together as a team. It stands out for me as one of the fondest
memories I have of him.”
Meanwhile, Ameen says that he continues to marvel at all the endurance
athletes he sees at the various events he and the family participate in. “I am
inspired by fellow athletes that push their boundaries and get out of their
comfort zones. Of course, I am also motivated by my family, especially my wife
and children, who always encourage me to do my best. They are my motivation
for pushing my boundaries and giving my all in the events I participate in. I
believe that life is as good as you make it to be, so you just need to enjoy it –
with your family by your side.”
Young Taariq
enjoying a
biathlon event
66
ISSUE 121 AUGUST 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Older brother,
Abdu-Razeen
in action