TRACK & FIELD
Audi and Wayde van Niekerk release an inspiring # Lane8 campaign
Wayde van Niekerk has been aligned to the Audi brand since early 2016 and is currently an Audi Q8 driver . The # Lane8 campaign , launched this September , looks back to Wayde ’ s 2016 Olympic win from the notoriously challenging eighth lane in the 400 metres sprint , and the campaign encourages an attitude of breaking through hardship and challenge , to inspire and encourage an outlook of optimism . Wayde lives and breathes progress , and always embraces an optimistic view of life . This is the essence of Audi ’ s Vorsprung ethos . Click here for more on the campaign .
Winning is Not About Your Starting Point
None of us have a perfectly planned journey through life – many of us start out with some form of challenge or disadvantage when progressing towards our goal . What is important to realise is that no matter the starting point , many of us are able to succeed nonetheless . That is the attitude which inspires me to strive for greatness . – BY WAYDE VAN NIEKERK
As someone who is fortunate enough to
represent their country as a sprinter , I am constantly humbled by the opportunities I have been given to inspire positive changes in the lives of my fellow South Africans . My success at the 2016 Rio Olympics , where I was able to win a gold medal for South Africa and break a world record in the 400 metres , opened so many doors for me . But most importantly , the result showed that an ordinary South African can achieve success at the highest level .
I am conscious of the great love that I have been shown by South Africans from all walks of life during my rehab and throughout my career . This incredible support encourages me to perform at my best – just as much as I may inspire others with my running . I also feel a certain responsibility to perform for the people of my country . It is an honour to be in my position , and I do not take it lightly . My role as a national ambassador comes with a responsibility to do my best , to dedicate myself to my sport and to be a role model for my fellow fans . This is what has kept me motivated through the past few months .
But when we all aim for the highest achievement , and we do it together , we build a kind of momentum that becomes irresistible . We need each other ’ s support , and when we have it , we succeed together . That ’ s why I believe all of my successes – including my Olympic gold medal victory from lane 8 in Rio – were achieved as part of a collective , thanks to the people in my life . I was able to succeed thanks to the support of my family , my team and my country , all of whom wanted only the very best outcome .
We are world class . Despite the challenges that many of us face , we have the strength of character to overcome them , and the dedication to make the most of our talent , skill and abilities . If I was able to make it out of a challenging start – bullying , lack of self-confidence , modest beginnings – and still be able to perform on the world stage , then each one of us has the potential to also achieve excellence despite our set-backs .
I was only recently able to resume my competitive schedule at a race in Switzerland , where I was able to secure a win . This moment played an important part in my recovery , dedication and mental commitment to push forward . I was really encouraged by my performance , as it not only sets an example for preparations towards the 2021 Tokyo Olympics , but it also gives me some confidence and reassurance after my injury and other setbacks over the past few years .
However , I also believe that as much as we have to be strong and be a fitting example for those around us , we also have a responsibility to ourselves . The talents we are born with hold so much potential , and it is one of our tasks as human beings to make the most of our abilities – for ourselves , and also for those around us .
Yes , the odds will often be stacked against us – an opportunity lost ; a disappointment when you have worked so hard to get to a certain point ; discouragement ; constant challenge ; or even a global pandemic . But no matter what our circumstances , there will always be people around us who offer hope , encouragement and positive inspiration . These are the ones who set the highest standards for themselves and for others . They are steadfast in what they want to achieve , and they are brave enough to push boundaries . These people are the ones who see the world differently , always looking for the optimistic view to life .
In the same way , I want only the best for my fellow South Africans . This is why I have aligned myself with a social media campaign such as # Lane8 , which aims to inspire South Africans to strive for greatness and to overcome doubt and hardship no matter their challenge or starting point in life .
Many of us start our race of life from the outside lane , with some sort of disadvantage . However , that doesn ’ t disqualify us from competing successfully . We can still forge ahead and win . As I prepare for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics next year , I am inspired by the millions of South Africans who overcome disadvantages every day , and succeed through self-belief , dedication and by supporting each other . You inspire me to be great , and I hope that I can do the same for you . Let ’ s succeed together .
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