Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 95, June 2017 | Page 38

Ma
Feature
Well-Timed
Runners love their racing memories, and what
better way to commemorate your great times
on the run than with a personalised clock, to
not only tell you the time, but also remind you
of those great times? That’s why Jimmy’s
Clocks are becoming more and more popular,
so we caught up with the man from Pretoria
behind these unique clocks for a quick chat.
– BY BRENDON LOWSON
MA: Everyone has a story, so please tell us about
yourself.
J: As a young man I played many sports. In baseball I was
selected to represent South Africa on a tour to Europe, and I also
played soccer and golf. Unfortunately, in 1999 I was diagnosed with
a neuro-muscular disease called Polyiomysitis, which attacks your
mobility. I was in a wheelchair till 2005, but thanks to water therapy
and rehab, I was able to get moving again. However, in 2015 I
started to lose my strength again, and ended up losing my job.
MA: Is that when you decided to make clocks?
J: Not exactly, the clocks came a bit later. Because I didn’t have
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ISSUE 95 JUNE 2017 / www.modernathlete.co.za
memories
work, I took three crates of vinyl records to sell at the pawn shop, to help me pay my rent. At the pawn
shop a lady told me she melted them and made fruit bowls, so I immediately started making bowls as
well, which a kind lady sold for me at the local flea market. Then one day another lady told me she
had seen a vinyl clock, and so I immediately started cutting out clocks by hand, and wow, they started
selling like mad! Then I found a friend with a laser cutting machine and the rest is history. Now there is
no limit to my designs… I can make anything!
MA: You appear to be getting quite a bit of business from runners these day?
J: Last year I made a personalised Comrades clock for the first time and when word of that got out, it
led to many more orders from other Comrades runners, including a group of six runners from Germany
that ordered custom clocks to be made and then couriered to them. I have huge respect for all runners,
but especially the Comrades runners, because that’s a truly fantastic achievement. For this year’s
Comrades runners, I am offering a special deal of R150 for a clock that features your race photo, or
R200 for a personalised clock with your name and time.
MA: Lastly, what has your clock business done for you in dealing with your disability?
J: Making these unique personalised clocks gives me an opportunity to support myself while also
creating memories for others. So people can look for Jimmy’s Clocks on Facebook and make contact
with me there if they are interested in seeing my range of clocks, or ordering their own.