Ryan Botha

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing professional footballer and model: Ryan Botha.

Ryan began his professional football career with Finland’s MYPA-47 in 2003 and later went on to sign with Turkish club, Denizlispor, in 2004.

Since returning to South Africa in 2007, Ryan has played for Thanda Royal Zulu FC and today plays for Sowetan giants, Moroka Swallows.

Ryan has represented South Africa at under-23 level and has appeared at the UEFA Cup. He has also won Goal of the Season in the 2008/09 ABSA Premiership.

Website: http://www.ryanbotha.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ryanbotha
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=568080857
MNet All Access Interview: Link
Location: Johannesburg

Ryan was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Ryan Botha, 29 yrs old, I play football for Moroka Swallows, an interesting fact would be that I played in Europe for 7 years.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: haha! Well I’m actually terrified of spiders, no matter how big or small, I kill them on site.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I enjoy relaxing with my fiancé and baby at home watching DVDs.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: I would love to live in Cape Town, I think its one of the most beautiful cities in the world. My dream home there would be a 4 or 5 bedroom place right on the beach, so when you walk off your balcony, you on beach sand.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Looking for the ultimate in apartment Cape living right on the coast? How about this R9.9m 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in Bantry Bay.

Soccer in South Africa

voted as one of South Africa’s sexiest men

Q: Congratulations on your recent inclusion into the South African squad. Tell us what it would mean to you personally if you were selected for the World Cup squad?

A: Thanks a lot! It’s always been my dream to play in the world cup, would be amazing to do it here on home soil in front of my family and friends. It would really be one of the biggest achievements of my career. I would look back one day and be able to tell my kids that their dad was apart of 2010.

Q: Having been apart of the national squad for a few weeks now, what is the atmosphere like within the squad? Are the players and staff ready for the challenge ahead?

A: Well I’m not with the world cup squad but rather the CHAN tournament team which is being played next year in Sudan. All the boys here know though that if they put in the effort here our chance could come. The world cup buzz is so present in the camp and the think every South African is ready….

Q: You’ve been playing professional soccer from a very young age. Which career milestones are you most proud of?

A: Playing in Europe for seven years was something I will never forget. I got to play in the UEFA cup which was amazing. Playing in the Olympic qualifiers was incredible and scoring 2 goals in the first 4 minutes against Algeria is something I will never forget.

Q: What would you say are the fundamental differences in the game is played here in South Africa compared to the rest of the world? Do you think our style of play is a positive or a negative when looking at the modern game?

A: The biggest differences are that the European game is played very technically and with a lot of discipline meaning not a lot of mistakes are made. Mistakes in Europe and generally punished with a goal. Here in South Africa we play more diski style which is more skill orientated and our mistakes aren’t always punished. I wouldn’t say it’s positive or negative but rather if we could implement the European discipline with the local diski football we would be an international force!

Q: What advice would you offer the young school boy wanting to emulate your career?

A: First thing is to finish school, then decide what you want to study part-time through out your career because you don’t want to be left stranded after your playing years are done with no job. Then work your heart out at training and put the extra work in on your weaknesses.

Q: Which young players have recently caught your eye?

A: I prefer not to mention names as sometimes this goes to the youngsters head and sets him back a couple of years….

Life in South Africa

Ryan bungee jumping from the Orlando Towers

Q: What about life in South Africa did you miss the most while living and playing internationally?

A: I missed the people. South Africans have a unique way of conversing and expressing themselves…

Q: If, with the flick of your fingers, you could improve one thing about South Africa, what would it be?

A: The crime, it is a major issue.

Q: When asked about South Africa and the current crime levels by those internationally, how do you respond?

A: That we a young country in terms of democracy and equality and that due to our past we have many people uneducated and who struggle to find employment. This doesn’t justify the crime rate but unfortunately gives some sort of understanding of the desperation some people experience.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in Johannesburg?

A: That there is a large variety of things to do.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Johannesburg for dinner with friends?

A: Rocket in Sandton or Capello’s in Bedford Center is enjoyable.

Q: Favorite activities for those rare occasions when you are not training?

A: DVDs at home.

General

Q: Which non-soccer sporting captain do you most admire and why?

A: John Smit…. he is the definition of professionalism and shows what a captain of any sporting team in this country should be like.

Q: Which local and international clubs did you support as a teenager?

A: Liverpool is my favorite team and I have always enjoyed the Chiefs….

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all school-boy soccer players?

A: Giggs – The  Autobiography

Q: Which South African personality would you most want directing you on your car’s GPS device?

A: Leon Schuster. Ha ha!

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Nelson Mandela… what he thinks of some of the ANC leaders today destroying all the hard work he put in.

We’d like to thank Ryan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future. We look forward to seeing him representing South Africa at Africa’s first World Cup.

Be sure to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can alos follow all our previous interviewees on Twitter at http://twitter.com/izimvo/interviewees

Mark Andrews

Izimvo is thrilled to introduce South African rugby legend and member of the 1995 Rugby World Cup winning team: Mark Andrews.

Considered as one of the greatest locks to have played the game, Mark’s Springbok career started at the young age of 22 when he made his debut against England in 1994. Earning a total of 77 test caps, Mark’s career highlights include:

• SA Rugby Player of the year nomination in 1994, his debut year.
• Being a member of the 1995 Rugby World Cup team.
• 60 test points including 12 test tries.
• 160 games for the Sharks.
• Currie Cups wins in 1995 and 1996.

Following his retirement in 2001, Mark played a season in the United Kingdom. He retired from the game at the end of the 2004 season at the age of 32.

Wikipedia Page.
Location: Durban

Mark was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like yourself introduced at a social event.

A: Mark Andrews would have prefered to have been a rock star but as he had no voice, rhythm or looks decided to play rugby.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: Water polo was my sport of choice as a school boy and it was only when at Stellenbosch varsity that I was forced to choose between polo and Rugby.

Q: What you are currently doing and in which ways you are still involved in the game of Rugby?

A: I am a shareholder in a sourcing company that has an exclusive supply contract with Massmart. (Game and Makro stores) As I spend a fair amount of time sourcing products in China, Taiwan and India I have no structured role in Rugby. I am a sponsor of a farm labours team in the Kie road district of East London and try and stay involved with the legends activities as and when possible.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: I have the land and will be starting building in about 3 years. The land is on the Gonubie river near East London and myself and 9 school friends have bought 13 hectares on the Gonubie river and are creating an eco estate. 2 houses are already complete and the rest will all be completed in about 5 years.

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Rugby in South Africa

Mark and Matt Damon

Q: Which moment during your schoolboy rugby career are you most proud of?

A: Beating our arch rivals Dale College by 40 points on their re-union day.

Q: If you were to select a South African all-star team with players from any era, who would pick as captain and hire as the coach?

A: Ian Macintosh would be my coach but he would have to be accompanied by a mental health practitioner as he can get pretty emotional. My captain would be Gary Teichmann.

Q: What advice would you offer school-boy coaches in terms of preparing talented players for the off-field demands of a professional career?

A: Have humility at all times, No matter how talented or famous you get you will never be greater than the game or your team and without both you would be not able to achieve anything in rugby.

Q: What do you think the impact commercialization has had on the school boy game?

A: As much as it has helped create bigger, stronger, smarter players it has unfortunately also created a huge number of problems. Steroid Abuse, over training in Gym and a shift away from academic pursuits are just a few issues that have arisen due to the commercialization of Rugby.

A scary stat is that less than 1% of all players who play rugby with the objective of making a career from the game actually do and worse is that the financial awards are never enough to secure one financially for life even if you do hit the big time and big pay days. Unlike Golf where if you have the talent you can earn a decent living for decades, in rugby you have a single decade if you are lucky and with the risk of injury so high, rugby can be a perilous career.

Q: What are your predictions, in terms of technological advances, for the next generation of players?

A: Athletes of all codes seldom understand their bodies and what makes the body and mind allow for a consistent performance game after game. Sports Scientists are forever chasing the “thing” that will allow an athlete to be bigger, stronger, quicker etc but they often cause other weaknesses by focusing on their discovery.

So simply what I am saying is that in my career we went from doing huge endurance sessions and no explosive power to little endurance and tons of explosive power to huge weight sessions with a bit of endurance and explosive power etc.

As every sports scientist came out with a new way to train to make you better the sports world veered to the extreme of that pursuit in an attempt to maximize the return to the athlete often at the expense of a balanced approach.

My prediction is that players and trainers will understand how to train an athlete in such a way that allows his body to perform at its best. Training is going to be engineered to allow each individual to get the best out of their body and accepting that not every new discovery will enhance each athlete in the same way.

In essence training even for team sports will be engineered to the individual.

Q: What advice would you offer the young school boy wanting to emulate your career?

A: Train hard and smart. Get advice from someone you respect who has been on the journey and listen to what they say. It’s an old cliché but you can’t walk into a sports store and buy 10 years of experience. Be prepared to make sacrifices and continually push yourself, not just on the field but off it. Be disciplined and never give up after a bad turn or set back. I have played with too many players a lot more talented than I ever was but who gave up too quickly when things got tough or never went their way.

Life in South Africa

Q: South Africa’s greatest sporting export is?

A: Ernie Els.

Q: If, with the flick of your fingers, you could improve one thing about South Africa, what would it be?

A: Crime.

Q: When asked about South Africa and the current crime levels by those internationally, how do you respond?

A: Having traveled with Rugby as a 19-year-old for the 1st time while South Africa was still under Apartheid was an eye opener to me as I never realized how badly the rest of the world viewed all white South Africans. If you were white and came from South Africa you must be a racist appeared to be the viewpoint of most foreigners.

During this time I learnt that I could change the perception of those people I met. I do the same thing now in my international travels when asked about crime in South Africa which every foreigner seems to know about if they have heard of South Africa.

You can’t deny crime does not exist (It’s hard to when myself and my family have been victims of crime on 12 separate occasions in the last 5 years) but if you give a balanced opinion you can make them change their opinion that South Africa is run by criminals and violent gangsters. This does get harder to do with the like of Malema and our own president carrying on like they do though.

We have to accept that South Africa needs foreign investment and tourist Dollars, Pounds and Euro’s so when as a South African you meet foreigners it is in all our interests to tell them about the positives about our country and highlight the good things that we have.

Life in Durban

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in Durban?

A: The Winters, you just can’t beat a winter’s day in Durban. Even more so if you have lived in Northern England like I did for 2 miserable years.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Durban for dinner with old friends?

A: Butcher Boys Umhlanga for a meal and the George & Dragon for a beer.

Q: If you were tasked with commissioning a postal stamp depicting the beauty of Durban and it’s people, which image would you select?

A: I know that Durban seems to be hanging its hat on the new stadium as its new poster child but I would still have a guy in baggies surfing the perfect wave. It was how I saw Durban as a youngster living in the eastern cape and it seems to summarize Durban for me.

Q: Favorite outdoor venue for spending quality time with the family?

Mark and his two sons, Tyson and Xavier.

A: Ushaka marine world would get my kids vote every day of the week.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Durban’s new Moses Mabhida Stadium and do you think the Sharks should make it their new home?

A: No one can argue that the stadium is not very impressive and up with the world’s best but how can we as a country and city build a stadium that costs Billions and will be a drain on our city for years to come. I find it very hard to feel proud of a stadium that cost billions when I drive to work every day and see people living in shacks.

If we had to spend the money why was the current ABSA stadium not upgraded and the rest of the allocated budget used to upgrade the surrounding sporting facilities. Surely we could have used the money to invest in an upgraded athletics track, Cycle Track, Equestrian centre, Hockey fields, basketball courts, swimming pool complex, netball courts, soccer fields etc.

This would have been more sustainable in that it would have added world-class facilities to all these sporting codes that would have been sustainable in that the members of all these codes would have contributed in fees to maintain all these facilities.

It would also have made Durban the destination for a host of national events in all those respective codes making Durban truly the sports capital of Africa thus bringing in constant income to the city.

Finally Durban could then bid for the Africa Games, Commonwealth games, FINA world games etc, etc.

Should the Sharks move, well they would be silly not to move as who else is going to use the stadium after the world cup?

General

Q: Which non-rugby sporting captain do you most admire and why?

A: I don’t really have a favorite captain from other codes but I do respect individual sportsmen and women who do not play team sports as they have to be their own captain at all times. I know the timing is not great but Tiger Woods as an athlete is simply superb.

Q: What were some of your favorite line-out calls?

A: When I played in France as a youngster I arrived not speaking a word of French and as my team could not speak English we had to come up with a fast way of identifying when I had to jump. After much discussion which I never understood a word of it was decided to simply call out my first name or surname when it was my ball. The problem was that the French can’t say Andrews rather they say Andrew with a very guttural pronunciation of the dr in Andrew. This caused me to not jump in my 1st line-out as when the captain called Andrew I had no idea he was calling my name. After more on field discussions they decided to leave out the Surname bit and for the rest of the season my call was simply my name, Mark.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all school-boy rugby players?

A: Michael Jordan’s book , I can’t accept not trying.

Q: Which South African personality would you most want directing you on your car’s GPS device?

Q: The lady who does the pre re-corded pre flight announcement on SAA flights.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: I would say Zuma but I don’t think any ANC politician in this country is able to give a straight honest answer about anything so it would have to be Barry Hilton…. We all need to laugh more in this country.

We’d like to thank Mark for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success in the future.

Reminder that you can now listen our interviews at http://izimvo.com/listen or subscribe to our Podcast feed http://bit.ly/bgC35E

Ryan Sandes (Photo by Nick Muzik)

Izimvo has the great honour of introducing running phenomenon: Ryan Sandes.

Ryan’s amazing story begins in 2006 when he finished in the top 20 of his first ever marathon: a race which he only entered as an excuse for a party in Knysna. Looking for an adventure, Ryan went on to win every stage of the 2008 Gobi March, a desert race considered as one of the toughest endurance races on the planet. Ryan followed this amazing achievement by winning The Sahara Race and breaking the race record of the 2009 Jungle Marathon.

Ryan’s goal for 2010 is to complete and win every race in the 4 Deserts series. The challenge starts on the 7th March with the Atacama Desert Race in Chile and ends in November with the Last Desert race in Antarctica. “Wandering Fever” is a documentary that will follow Ryan’s attempt at becoming the first person to win all of the 4 Desert Series races.

Named as one of Runners World Magazine’s “Top 5 heroes of running”, along with the likes of Usain Bolt and Haile Gebrselassie, Ryan has cemented his place as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Website: http://www.ryansandes.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ryan.sandes
Location: Cape Town

Ryan was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Ryan Sandes, 27 years old. Nicknames: Hedgie (from school), more recent is Sandman. Profession: Studied to be a Quantity Surveyor and worked for Faircape Property Developers for two and bit years. Now I am a full-time professional athlete.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I have a phobia about snakes but this was cured during the Amazon Jungle race. People I most admire are Nelson Mandela, Lance Armstrong and my grandfather. Favorite Food is steak and movie is Snatch. (I do not get to see many movies these days)

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Hanging out with friends and having a few beers over a braai etc. I struggle do the late night partying these days and it does not fit in with my training. I also enjoying spending time on the beach and try to get a surf in every once in a while. Running in definitely the best way to get away from it all, my only worry is to put my one foot in front of the other.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: I would like to have two homes, one in Cape Town as I think it is the best city in the world and we have it all, mountains, beaches etc. My other home would be more of a holiday home up in the Drakensberg where I could go and train at high altitude and get away from the city life.

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Long-Distance Running

Winning the Sahara Race 2008 (Photo by 4deserts.com)

Q: Tell us about how you go from the Knysna marathon in 2006 to winning every stage of the 2008 Gobi Desert race, a seven-day event considered to be one of the toughest endurance races on the planet?

A: Running the Knysna marathon was more of an excuse to go up to Knysna and have a party than any thing else – I would have run the half but entries had closed. The feeling of fulfillment I had after completing the Knysna Marathon hooked me. Before I knew it I was spending my weekends on the trails instead of all night parties with my friends. I am one for extremes and after a few local trail races I decided to look for another challenge and stumbled upon the 4 Desert website and the rest is history.

Q: “Wandering Fever” is a film that will follow your attempt at becoming the first person to win all 4 of the RacingThePlanets 4Desert Series races. Tell us about how the movie came about and do you think it will have any impact on your performances?

A: I am good friends with one of the owners of The African Attachment, the film company who is making the documentary. When I told him I was running the Gobi March he asked me why? I did not have an answer… After getting back from the Gobi we discussed making the documentary on why I am participating in these extreme endurance races hence the name “Wandering Fever”. It sounded like a great idea and they have been following me around ever since then. I don’t think the documentary will impact on my performance but hopefully by the end of the 4 Desert series I can explain why I compete in these extreme races.

Q: The 4Desert series ends in Antarctica this November. Besides training in large cold rooms, what are the other main differences in training for cold weather events?

A: When running in hot conditions you have to get your body used to the heat. However in cold conditions if you have the correct clothing and equipment you can insulate your body from the cold. The hardest part is getting used to breathing in cold air and making sure you don’t sweat too much under all the layers of clothing as your sweat freezes and can make life very uncomfortable. So my main challenges will be getting used to breathing in very cold air, making sure I have the right clothing and getting used to running with all the layers on.

Q: Which part of your preparation for an event is the most difficult, the physical or the mental?

A: I would say physical as you have to spend months training for an event, but it is just as important to be mentally fit. However I believe you are either born with mental fitness or it comes from years of racing.

Q: What advice would you offer the 10km runner who has aspirations of completing their first marathon?

A: You have already done all the hard work by getting out there and running 10km races. Increase your distance slowly, never give up and with enough hard work and dedication you will be crossing that marathon finish line before you know it.

Q: What will be the best way for us to follow your progress during the 4Desert series?

A: I will be doing a blog on my website www.ryansandes.com or on the 4 Deserts website www.4deserts.com you can sign up for breaking news and they have all the latest results, videos, pictures etc on the site.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes, the crime rate in South Africa is very high and my family and I have had to start being a lot more cautious when it comes to crime. When I was a kid we never locked our doors, hijackings were unheard of etc. But we live in a really beautiful country and after spending lots of time in other countries around the world I believe we have one of the best qualities of life in the world.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: No I never plan to leave South Africa on a permanent basis – proudly South African!

Q: How have you found the perception of South Africa while competing internationally?

A: The first thing most people say when I come from South Africa is…. Nelson Mandela.. I get asked about the crime and safety factor in South Arica a lot but people are also very positive about how beautiful and the potential South Africa has.

Q: South Africa’s greatest athlete is?

A: That’s a hard one…..I would have to say Elana Meyer as in her day she broke National and International records from 5000m up to Marathon distance.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What are the benefits of living in Cape Town for an extreme athlete?

A: I am surrounded by mountains; there are some really big sand dunes as well as other types of terrain which make conditions perfect for trail running. It also gets very hot in summer and wet in winter which helps prepare for extreme races. The only thing we don’t have is high altitude.

Q: Favorite restaurant for a lazy Sunday lunch with a group of friends?

A: Caprice in Camps Bay is always very festive on Sunday.

Q: Top 3 train running routes that you would recommend to runners visiting Cape Town?

A: One of my favorite routes is from the Lower Cable Car Station along the pipe track to the “Block House” and back – the route has awesome views of Cape Town CBD and Robben Island and it is a very runner friendly route.

Any trail in the Cape Point Reserve is very cool with loads of wild life and then another favorite trail of mine starts from Suickerb0ssie restaurant up Landudno Ravine and to the Table Mountain dams and then down to Constantia Neck.

General

Q: What are your must-have luxuries that accompany you to every race?

A: An iPod for long waits at the airport, laptop and Salomon relax shoes. These items all get left behind during a multi day race and there are not a lot of I luxuries I take – every second day I treat myself to a stick of Droewors ! My new Oakley Jawbones are super cool and are a must for every race!

Q: You break your races up into shorter distances that you tackle one at a time. Do you apply this tactic to any other aspects of your life?

A: Yes definitely, I apply this tactic to all aspects of my life. When I am really busy I focus on just getting one task done at a time and before I know it everything is done. It helps simplify life and I don’t get stressed out.

Q: Favorite snack after a long training session?

A: A fruit smoothie loaded with whey protein etc.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: “It’s Not About The Bike” and “Every Second Counts” both books are by Lance Armstrong. They are both really inspiring books and show anything is possible with enough determination.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Lance Armstrong – do you think you can win Ironman Kone (Ironman World Champs)?

We’d like to thank Ryan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

The first of the 4 Deserts races, the Atacama Crossing in Chile, starts on the 7th March. Be sure to follow Ryan’s progress on his website and his Facebook page. You can also follow @RacingThePlanet on Twitter for regular updates throughout the series.

Gary Player

Izimvo has the distinct pleasure of introducing the most successful international golfer of all time: Gary Player.

As one of the true sporting legends of our time, Gary Player has cemented his place in the record books with an incredible career of 164 victories. Spanning five decades, Gary’s achievements include winning the Grand Slam and nine Majors on both the regular and senior PGA tours, winning the World Match Play Championship a record five times and winning tournaments in 28 consecutive years.

Off the course, Gary, is renowned as a golf course architect with over 300 design projects throughout the world. His company, Blake Knight International, includes Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, Gary Player Enterprises and The Player Foundation.

If there ever were to be a true Mr South Africa, Gary Player would be it.

Website: http://garyplayer.com
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Player

Gary was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favourite meal.

A: I like to sneak an occasional Snickers chocolate bar and drink a Coke when no one is watching.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: To spend time on my stud farm in Colesberg, in the Karoo, with my thoroughbred race horses.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Q: Your choice of actor for Gary Player the Movie?

A: Antonio Banderas (in his early years) or John Travolta.

Golf in South Africa

Q: South Africa has some of the best golf courses in the world. Which would you select as your top 3?

A: As you have mentioned, South Africa has some of the best golf courses in the world and it would be difficult to only mention 3 so I will have to mention my top 5 which are, in no particular order of preference: Gary Player Country Club and Lost City at Sun City, The Links at Fancourt, Blair Atholl in Johannesburg and Leopard Creek in Malelane.

Q: Do you feel enough is being done for the development of the game in previously disadvantaged communities?

A: No. We need more public courses and development funds to really make a difference.

Q: If you were the selector for the Olympic golf team and were able to select players from any era, which 4 South Africans would you pick?

A: Bobby Locke, Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, and Trevor Immelman.

Q: If you were to single one moment from your illustrious career, which would it be?

A: I can not say that there was a single moment, but winning the Grand Slam on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour were my greatest personal accomplishments.

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you consider to be the greatest challenge facing South Africa today?

A: Ensuring that all our children receive a proper education.

Q: If you were able to sit down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: It is not and easy question to answer and I am not a politician. I wish him love, wisdom, patience and humility.

General

Q: If you could play a round of golf with any 3 South Africans, who would you invite and where would you play?

A: Nelson Mandela, My wife Vivienne and my brother Dr. Ian Player. We would play at the course that I designed with a few workers and some basic equipment at my farm in Colesberg. This course is a passion because I designed it to be environmentally friendly – it uses 80% less water than a traditionally designed course – and has helped me develop a sustainable design philosophy that we are now implementing in all of the courses we design around the world.

Q: What are your thoughts on having golf as an Olympic sport?

A: Fantastic! I am thrilled that golf is being included again and I believe that it will do wonders for the growth and development of the game around the world. With Brazil hosting the games I expect to see the game’s popularity grow significantly in South America and also in India and China.

Eating - Mike Anderson

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: I would make students watch a DVD called “Eating” – 3rd Edition – by Mike Anderson. I have always been an advocate for healthy living through exercise and good nutrition and this DVD is a fantastic way to help teach kids and their parents about how to eat properly.

Q: Golf Digest rated you as their 3rd greatest golfer of all time, who would you pick as your best player of all time?

Q: Ben Hogan.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: My brother, Dr. Ian Player. He dedicated his life to helping protect Africa’s natural resources, wildlife and environment and I would like more people to learn about what he was able to accomplish. He saved the White Rhino from extinction and started the Dusi Canoe Marathon. His life story is quite interesting.

We’d like to thank Gary for finding the time in his incredibly busy schedule. It has been a true honour to feature this sporting legend on Izimvo.

Reminder to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can also read all of our interviews on your iPhone using the Izimvo iPhone application.

Kim van Kets

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing trail runner and extreme athlete, Kim van Kets.

Kim has recently completed the 250km, 7 day,  Augrabies Extreme Marathon and is preparing for a 5500km run, cycle and paddle around the perimeter of South Africa in May.

Her husband, Pete, has recently started the Woodvale Challenge crossing the Atlantic Solo. Pete has previously won the challenge as pairs in 2007/8.

Location: East London

Kim was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: (Robyn) Kim van Kets, 37 years old, non practising attorney working (just enough to stay out of the poor-house) as a consultant and corporate trainer. I am self-employed but am associated with Global Business Solutions.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: mmm, I have the worst singing voice in the entire universe and would rather take my kit off than sing in front of an audience. Even my daughter has been known to say “don’t sing, Mama”. Also I am a very bad swimmer and am being coached in secret so that I can stop being too afraid to do the Ironman (ironperson!) The 4km swim has always completely terrified me.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: As bizarre as it may seem, my ultimate getaway is a multi day race like the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon. There is enormous relaxation in the single mindedness of getting up every day and focusing entirely on getting from A to B alive against a beautiful and remote backdrop. No juggling priorities or multi tasking, no interruptions! Bliss!

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: I am quite happy with the house I have. However I did once spot a group of mud and thatch huts on the Transkei Coast near Brazen Head with a thriving mielie field, a full kraal and the best sea view I have ever seen. Peter and I often fantasize about moving there!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Extreme Adventures

Q: How did you first get into extreme sports?

A: I started road running when I was still at school and had run all of the long road races by the time I finished university and was anxious to “go further”. Also, I hated the crowds and the jostling at the big events. So trail running seemed like the obvious next step – very long races, beautiful and (usually) remote venues without the crowds!

Q: You recently completed the Augrabies Extreme Marathon, a 7 day, 237km race limited to 100 competitors. How did you approach the 2009 event after failing to complete the race in 2008?

A: I was extremely well prepared for the race in 2008 but simply did not handle the extreme heat. Members of the crew measured a temperature of 52′ on the first day in one of the river gorges! By the third day the temperature was still in the high 40′s. I was unable to cool down or stop vomiting and was retired by the race doctor. I was completely devastated and comforted myself by driving home to the E Cape through the night in time to run the 100km Amatola Trail Run.

I was very afraid to try the race a second time but had some demons to lay to rest and couldn’t get it out of my system. I did some things a bit differently in 2009 in that I did some additional core strength training with Caren Williams, I handled my hydration differently, and most of all I didn’t try to race at all – my only aim was to survive (and if possible have fun!) I was very fortunate that (as a result of fervent prayer!) it was cooler in 2009.

Q: Your next challenge is a 5500 km run, cycle and paddle around the perimeter of South Africa. Can you tell us about the preparation and support needed for a challenge of this magnitude?

A: I have spent my whole adult life preparing for this challenge without knowing it. I will continue to train and race as normal during the year with some additional focus on cycling and paddling as well as strength and core. I couldn’t embark on challenge like this without the support of my husband Peter (Peter and my daughter Hannah who is 4 will accompany me on the journey) and some amazing backup crew (hopefully the legendary Calif Coombe and Oscar Miller). I will also have a visionary sponsor which I am not yet at liberty to name. The trip will require an enormous amount of planning and project management over the next 6 months.

Kim and Pete

Q: Your husband, Pete, is currently rowing solo across the Atlantic in the Woodvale Challenge. How did you meet and were you both extreme athletes at the time?

A: We met in Cape Town 11 years ago. We were both athletes who liked to push ourselves, but have probably become more extreme with age and with each other’s support.

Q: As a mother, legal consultant, corporate trainer and an extreme athlete, what advice would you offer parents wanting to continue with their sports after having children?

A: If your sport is your passion you will find the time to fit it in. It is certainly not easy, but I have run at 4am and at 10 pm with a headlamp, I have run round and round a rugby field until I am quite dizzy, with Hannah lying in the middle on a blanket. I have run up and down sand dunes with her in a backpack and in an off-road pram. It’s certainly not easy but it can be done. Things are easier now that I have flexibility in my job – for years I worked for a large corporate with no flexibility at all.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: No, I live in an area where I leave my car unlocked and my front door open.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I honestly havent considered leaving, this is my home. I am passionate about South Africa and its people. There is a reckless courage and optimism here that I have never experienced anywhere else in the world.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: I would suggest he spent a lot of time on his knees praying for wisdom! I certainly don’t envy him his job!

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: Its people, its sense of humour, its wine!

Life in East London

Q: What are the benefits of living in Cape Town for an extreme athlete?

A: It is the perfect playground for extreme sport and adventure racing. I train on beautiful farms, pristine beaches and spectacular estuaries and am surrounded by the wonderfully warm, generous and down to earth people.

Kim and daughter Hannah

Q: What are the must-visit places in or around Cape Town for families with young children?

A: Murambi Tea Garden, Lavendar Blue, Tea in the Trees and Yekelela. And obviously all the great beaches!

Q: Favorite restaurant for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch with the family?

A: Cintsa West Pub.

General

Q: A single piece of advice for anyone looking to set out on an extreme adventure?

A: Remember to have fun – its more important than winning! Make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for and equip yourself with the basic gear.

Q: Favorite snack after a long training session?

A: Masses of homemade cottage pie.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Frontiers written by Mostert. It’s a magnificent history of SA which would make for a lot more understanding and tolerance.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

Q: In the cabin of Nyamezela (my husband’s boat, currently n the middle of the Atlantic). I would like to go home immediately after breakfast though! I prefer the edges of oceans to their middles.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you like to ask them?

A: Ryan Sands.  How on earth do you run that fast?

We’d like to thank Kim for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her every success for her next challenge, a 5500km run, cycle and paddle around the perimeter of South Africa.

Nic White

Izimvo is honoured to introduce professional cyclist, Nic White

Nic, synonymous with South African cycling, has been a professional for over 11 years. He has earned a reputation as a master tactician and is known for being a fast time-trialist, strong climber and accomplished stage racer.

Nic’s illustrious career includes many victories including the Tour of Morocco in 1998 and 2007, Giro del Capo in 2000, 2007 African Road Race and Time Trial champion, UCI Africa Tour in 2008, 2 Rapport Tour stages and the first Pick n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge in 1997.

Website: http://www.nicwhite.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nicwhitedotcoza
Location: Johannesburg

Nic was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: This is Nic White, almost 36 years of age and still racing his bike with the Elite category for the Team Medscheme! He has completely missed the first veterans category, and at this rate, will miss the 35-39 cat as well! Father of two children, and has a loving wife, Diane, who also rides a bike, although not too regularly anymore with our small children!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I wouldn’t want to divulge any secrets, but I am a bit of a collector, or hoarder some might say? These days I get pretty involved in ‘collecting’ the toys that my 3 yr old son likes. I get pleasure out of adding to his collection, as if it were for me. The Disney movie – Cars, is the subject in question, and slowly we are notching up many of the characters!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I enjoy getting away to the bush, and relaxing, as well as getting onto a mountain bike and riding in the wilderness.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: I am a fan of the mountains, and could quite easily live in some part of the Drakensberg, or Maluti Mountains, From Clarence to Underberg or somewhere in between! It is important to have a great view of the land, and a big stoep all the way around our house to watch the weather from!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Professional Cycling

Q: Congratulations on a very successful year with Team Medscheme. What do you consider to be the team’s greatest asset?

A: We have a great bunch of guys in the team, and a fair amount of talent. The greatest asset has been our ability to combine the strengths and ride for the person with the best possible chance to win, it is the unselfishness of everyone that has allowed for our successes. The one for all, all for one story..

Q: What is an average day like for a professional cyclist?

A: Well, these days life is a bit busier than it used to be, with getting my son to school, then it is onto my bike at about 08h00, meeting a few others, most of the time a team-mate or two if not the full team, and then spending a few hours training, from 2 to 5 hours, depending what we have planned. Once back, resting a bit, and whatever other things may become necessary to do. I do not have another job, but have planned some bike trips and do a newsletter from my website which keeps me rather busy at times.

Q: To what would you attribute the popularity of South African cycling in recent years?

A: The popularity of cycling in SA is mostly attributed to participation that is involved. Everyone is able to ride, or compete in so many events, that, along with the TV coverage of cycling and the Tour de France has made it very popular, but the problem still persists that the local professional cycling scene is not where it should be.

We spear head all of these participation races, but there is very little ‘big’ racing for the top-level. We would love some proper tough events at an international level, so that people can come and spectate, but the culture just isn’t there yet. Everyone want to participate and do it themselves. This is great, but we will never have the same culture of cycling as they do in Europe.

That is not to say that we are not grateful, but I think that it could be bigger and better for everyone, especially the aspiring young riders who would like to become professional riders in good teams, and make a life from Cycle Racing!

Q: Which young local rider impresses you the most and do you think that a South African riding for a South African team could ever win the Tour de France?

A: I have enjoyed the growth of Daryl Impey, having known him since he was young, and having the pleasure of racing in a team with him as well. He is not that young anymore, but still has lots of room to improve, I hope that he goes a long way, especially in the team that he is in now, Team Radioshack. Another rider who has improved rapidly is Arran Brown, he has immense talent but perhaps his ambitions will grow and we may see him one day at the highest level of the sport?

Q: Which events are you most looking forward to in 2010?

A: I am hoping to do some Mountain bike events in 2010, for a change and a bit of a challenge, but I prefer the tougher events of which there aren’t that many anymore on the road. Some tours, or very hilly races? This year we have a few planned and perhaps a few overseas travels to keep our racing level up to scratch!

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: There have been a few small incidents, luckily not huge or bad, but I think every South African is affected in some way unfortunately! Even when the electricity substation down the road gets vandalized causing a power surge that fries all of your appliances, and then nobody takes any responsibility for that! It is just b___s__t that that type of thing happens. Not to mention all of the violent crime that takes place in our society!

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: We have not really considered emigration, but I had spent some years racing in Belgium and got to see a lot of Europe. It is great how things just work, and everybody does the right thing. I was also in Switzerland this year on a MTB trip. It is great place with so much infrastructure and everybody out doing some sort of activity, sporting or outdoors! There they do the right thing and obey the laws because it is the right thing to do, not because they will get fined. The mentality is just so different to ours. That is the type of society that I would like to live in. But will need loads of money to get a start in Switzerland!!

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: I don’t think that this is easy as there are so many problems to fix. But I think that they should make laws that are simple, and then enforce them, don’t come up with fancy things that only target certain people. Make this country a law-abiding country without any corruption. That is a big task to start with..

Q: Favorite South African cycling event and training route?

A: My favourite training route is the ‘Trees’ route in the south of Johannesburg. It was where I started riding many years ago, and I still really enjoy the trips we take trough there (it is between Walkerville, Daleside, Meyerton, and Henley on Kilp).

My favourite event is a difficult one. I am tending towards some mtb events of which I haven’t done too many of. But on the road, I have a soft spot for the races we used to do in Lesotho. I would like to see them back on the calendar again. In a non competitive aspect, my favourite is my Big Sky Ride through Lesotho, and second to that the Tour de Tuli, (used to be Tour de Kruger), I hope to be on that one again this year!

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Johannesburg?

A: Living in JHB has its benefits, that being you are close to everything, and there is a lot to find in terms of shops and foods etc, and everyone is here! However, I could easily live in the sticks somewhere, near the mountains or the bush! I am not a fan of traffic!!

Q: As a father of two young children, which restaurant to you consider to be the most kid friendly?

A: Our favourite restaurant is in Parkview, Franco’s Trattoria, it is the best Italian place you will ever find. The food is great, and it is family run, and they are super people. We take our kids there and they have a great time, as well as many other people with small children. The restaurant does not really cater for children, but they are very accommodating!

Q: Who in Johannesburg makes the best breakfast for after those long training rides?

A: The best breakfast in town is a difficult one, I have not spent much time of late eating breakfasts after training rides, but gone straight home! But you don’t often go wrong at a Mugg and Bean. They cater well for cyclists, and we have spent many hours at these restaurants in the past!

General

Q: Do you have any rituals that you follow before a big race?

A: I don’t have any rituals, but do enjoy drinking a beer or two before a big race!

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: The wins in the Rugby World Cup have united our Nation and have been inspirational to all South Africans.

Q: Who would you consider as South Africa’s greatest cyclist of all time?

A: This one is difficult, as it is hard to choose. It was before my time, but Alan Van Heerden was probably one of the best that ever came from South Africa. He was an unbelievable character and who knows what he may have achieved had there not been sporting sanctions in those days!

Also Robbie Hunter has put South Africa on the map in Cycling at the highest level today, and he is definitely the best on the peloton from SA. I have the pleasure of knowing him and spending some time training with him these days!

Q: What was the last album that your bought?

Q: Been a while, but the Parlotones, (a year ago already!)

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: I would like to read about Daryl Impey again in a few months time after he has found his feet at Radioshack. He is in great company and after he has some races under his belt, (especially the classics) I would like to hear about his experiences!

We’d like to thank Nic for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him and Team Medscheme every success for the 2010 season.

Morne Swanepoel

Izimvo is honoured to introduce Martial Arts coach, MMA and Reality Based Personal Protection specialist, Morne Swanepoel.

Morne, certified as one of the most qualified Jeet Kune Do (JKD) instructors in the world, is the owner and founder of CombatCoaching.com. The various streams offered by CombatCoaching.com include Combat Athletics, Mixed Martial Arts (Cage Fighting), Reality Based Personal Protection and Bully Proof Your Child.

Morne’s illustrious career includes achievements such as 4th Degree Black Belt in Traditional Karate/Kobudo, 3rd Degree Black Belt Yuishinkai Kobujutsu, Director for the World United Martial Arts Federation and certified instructor for the International Council of Masters and Grand Masters.

Website: http://combatcoaching.com
Email Address: aileen@combatcoaching.com
Location: Amanzimtoti, Durban

Morne was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Morne Swanepoel 37 years of age (soon 38) :)

Owner and founder of CombatCoaching.com. Full time Martial Arts Coach and Practitioner specializing in Mixed Martial Arts (Cage Fighting), Reality Based Personal Protection, Combat Athletics, Tai Chi and Bully Proof Your Child.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: Although I travel allot (45 times abroad in the past 15 years) I am a very nervous flyer. Well I love flying I just hate the crashing part :)

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Spending time with the family on the beach and swimming in the ocean.

Personal Protection and Self Defence

Q: Have you seen an increase in demand for your self-defence courses over recent years and are you finding that South Africans are becoming more proactive when it comes to personal security?

A: Yes there has been a huge demand for training. I still feel thou that the majority of the public feel that learning how defend oneself is not of great concern or a priority….until it is too late.

Q: The recent crime stats report showed an increase of 27% in-house robberies. What general advice can you offer our readers to keep their homes safe?

A: Ones safety is directly related to your level of awareness. One could purchase all the latest in home security but if you are not aware of your surroundings then it is a waste of time and money. Without becoming paranoid you need to be more aware of what is going on inside (domestic workers) and outside your property (your street and when traveling to point of interests such as shops, schools etc.) Most crime related incidents can be prevented by becoming more vigilant and learning what you are up against in your area…your reality.

Q: What is the long-term solution to our current crime levels?

A: In my opinion there are quite a few things our government can do to help prevent crime in this country:

1- Bring back the death penalty
2- Take a strong stand against corruption in government levels
3- More jobs for SA citizens
4- Management of illegal immigrants + stricter border controls
5- Educating the nation
6- Setting higher standards for our security forces i.e. Police + Army
7- Stricter implementation of the law

Last but not least to bring GOD back into our government and beloved country!

Q: What are your thoughts on the general public owning and carrying guns?

A: Guns do not kill people. People kill people. You will not be able to have a gun free country. Even in the so-called gun free countries crimes are still committed using firearms.

Our situation is even worse taking our neighboring countries into account and how easy it is to bring illegal firearms into our country. Disarming law-abiding citizens is going to make us all a softer target. Taking the current situation of our country into account then I would encourage every law-abiding citizen to own a firearm and to get the proper training to be able to use it. We need to address where the problem is i.e. the criminal and illegal firearm.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes. The last 15 years I have been involved in various security units dealing with various criminal elements from Hijackers and drug lords to your local thug in a nightclub. The thing that hits everyone the most is that SA has so much to offer and we have a very good idea of where we can be with this country compared to where it is now. Of course crime has affected all of our lives and the way we live. It is sad that the majority needs to live their lives being controlled by minority!

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I have been offered a job in the USA training security personal. I have also received several invitations to teach MMA (Cage Fighting) in various countries. SA is my country, this is where I want to be and this where I am going to stay as long as God allows us to live here.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I would start the day off in parlement reading out of the Bible and praying for God to guide us in the right direction. Crime is SA’s cancer. I would take a very strong stand against crime and corruption. I would also change our National anthem to something everybody could sing together.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Durban beaches.

Experience the streets of Hillbrow and take note why we are up in arms with some of the changes in our new country.

Have a braai at a big Rugby match, as no one knows how to braai like South Africans.

Life in Durban

Q: Which kid friendly restaurant in or around Durban do you consider to be the most adult friendly?

A: It has to be the Spur.

Q: If you had to pick between a weekend away in the Natal Midlands or along the coast, which would it be?

A: Coast – golden beaches, tropical weather, warm water…..not a difficult choice.

Q: Where do you most enjoy watching that all-important sporting final?

A: At home on my big screen TV having braai with friends otherwise at Loftus Versveldt!!

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: Hopefully a trip to the islands for my whole family.

Q: Who do you consider as the best MMA fighter of all time?

A: Randy “The Natural” Couture.

Q: What advice would you to give to parents of a child wanting to start a sport such as boxing or MMA?

A: Check out the instructor/Coach make sure he is legit. Check out the way the class is coached and if you feel your child will be influenced in a positive manner in that environment.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

Q: In bed at the Umhlanga Sand Hotel with my beautiful wife and 2 kids.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Julius Malema…as long as I can answer back :)

We’d like to thank Morne for taking the time to answer our questions. Be sure visit Morne and the CombatCoaching.com team on their website for more details. You can also email them at aileen@combatcoaching.com

David Weare

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing professional surfer, David Weare.

David, who grew up surfing Durban’s New Pier, dominated South African competitive surfing as a junior and has since become a respected international competitor. He first qualified for the WCT in 2006 and later won the 2008 Quicksilver Pro Durban.

David is currently competing on the ASP World Tour. The final event of the season, the Billabong Pipeline Masters, starts in Hawaii on the 8th December.

Blog: http://www.davey-weare.blogspot.com
Location: Durban

David was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: One of my close friends would introduce me as Dave Weare, in the surfing fraternity, probably as Davey Weare and at a Formal function as David Weare. I’m 29 now, I surf for a living and get to travel the world a lot!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I always enjoy watching comedies, from the Wedding Crashers, Old School, Happy Gilmore to the Hangover etc. I hate driving over tall bridges and would love to be able to skateboard and play the guitar properly.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Go surfing, even though it’s my job, it’s still my hobby and my passion!

David Weare (by Reg Joiner)

Professional Surfing

Q: What advice would you offer any young surfer wanting to turn professional?

A: The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Practice A LOT!!!!

Be dedicated and committed, study what the top guys are doing, start competing early so you get the knack of contest surfing, travel as much as you can for experience in other waves and always have fun!

Q: Surfing on the ASP World Tour is something most surfers only get to dream about, can you describe a typical day on the tour?

A: When we on tour at an event, normally I’d surf early, wait for the call to be made on the event for the day. If on, then prepare for my heat and that’s the focus for that day. If not on, then probably a little bit of cross-training and another surf.

On the road, I usually surf at least twice a day, sometimes more if it’s firing. Everything revolves around the event for each day, it’s usually an 11 day waiting period so there are a few lay days which you can do a bit of sight-seeing etc in the country you’re in.

Q: As a father and a husband, how do you cope with being away from your family for extended periods of time? Are there many professional surfers with families?

A: It seems like there are a few of the guys now on tour who have wives and children, a lot of them travel with them too. We said that on the longer trips we’ll travel together, and on the shorter one-off events, I go alone just so it’s not too disruptive for our daughter and all her activities she has going on at home.

Obviously it’s hard when I’m away and the family are at home, not just for me but for my wife and daughter too, not the normal scenario you’d usually have with a family but we try do the best that we can and make the most of the time we do have when we are together.

That is definitely one of the cons of being a professional surfer, the amount of time you’re away from your loved ones. I’m very fortunate in the fact that my wife is very understanding and supportive of me and my career and has been from day one.

Q: Which young local surfer impresses you the most and do you think that a South African will ever become World Champion again?

A: I think Jordy Smith definitely has the potential to be World Champ! I also think Shaun Joubert from Mossel Bay has a bright future.

Q: Common concerns of the average office worker include traffic, running out of printer toner and getting their reports submitted on-time. What are the daily concerns of a professional surfer?

A: Where the best waves are, working on getting the best equipment, doing cross training and preparing for upcoming events.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yip, I’ve had family members affected by crime in a big way and it really just makes you disappointed cause it’s not the majority doing the crimes but just a small minority who are ruining it for the whole country.

I live in a gated community and it seems like that’s the nom here now which is quite pathetic cause I travel a lot and see how safe it is in other places I go to. I don’t see why we can’t be like that.

Obviously the unemployment, lack of education and poverty has a lot to do with the state of the crime in this country. I hope that we can get it right.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: Yes I have, just cause when you have a family, it’s not about you any more, you have way bigger responsibilities now and safety is probably priority no. 1 , The States would probably be my destination if I ever did leave the country.

Q: Besides your home beach, which South African beach do you consider to be the most enjoyable to surf?

A: JBAy is always amazing, such a good wave, I love the variety we have north and south of Durban , and I enjoy surfing in Umhlanga now-a-days.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: In Durbs, uShaka Marine World, Gateway with it’s wave pool and the beaches/restaurants/hotels of Umhlanga.

Life in Durban

David and his daughter Liberty

Q: Which local restaurant do you consider to be the most family friendly?

A: Spur of course, it’s the only way with kids…

Q: How do the Durban beaches and conditions match up with the great surfing locations such as Hawaii?

A: Durban can produce world-class waves with the right swell and winds and does deliver waves of consequence from time to time. We have very consistent waves in Durban year-round which makes it a great destination for events and surfers from abroad and local.

They’re busy revamping the beach front now so hopefully when they’re finished the beachfront will be safe and great for the families…

General

Q: Do you have any routines that you like to follow before a big event?

A: Do my training , get my boards right for that event and practice a lot.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: South Africa winning the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

Q: Which surfing personality have you most enjoyed meeting?

A: I’ve been fortunate to meet many greats of the sport but always enjoy talking to Shaun Tomson and Martin Potter, both former World Champions from Durban.

Q: Which service due you personally use to check the current surfing conditions when you in South Africa?

A: usually use windguru.com and also call my friends who are in the loop with swell predictions…

Q: Which South African bands are in the music collection that you travel with?

A: I like Seether, probably my favorite.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Probably Butch James or John Smit.

We’d like to thank David for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the Billabong Pipeline Masters starting in Hawaii on the 8th December.

David Grier

Izimvo has the privilege of introducing inspirational speaker, celebrity chef and extreme adventurer, David Grier

David, 49, has recently completed the first ever joint continuous run of the Great Wall of China, some 4000km in 98 days, as well as the first continuous run of the coast of South Africa.

He is currently preparing for the Madagascar 2010 Challenge where he plans to kayak 700km to Madagascar, run 3000km up the center of the island and then kite board and kayak 1200km back to South Africa.

Website: http://www.davidgrier.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DavidGrier
Facebook: David-Grier
Location: Cape Town

David was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Born in the summer of 60, weened on the outdoors open space and often in earshot of the ocean. Father of 4 children, my inspiration. A chef by profession, extreme adventurer by chance, as one day someone left the kitchen door open and the rest just keeps on unfolding. Through an overload of life changing experiences brought on by adventure, the only way that I could share them was to write about them as they unfolded, this has now culminated into 2 books. I now spend a lot of time traveling the country and sharing my inspirational stories with corporates.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: Heights just seem to get to me, normally when I least need it. But if I look at things that spook me when I am out there, there is normally a warning sign attached.

If I think back as a chef I have this recurring nightmare which always happens during season time. Picture me standing at the door of my kitchen looking into the restaurant. I only have 1 frying pan in my hand things are going ballistic, the whole restaurant is full of people who on seeing me all stand up and start shouting I want food, I want food, I just can’t cope and the pressure is on.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: To drive out-of-town and head up the coast to my folks farm at Stanford on the kleinriver. A quiet tranquil private nature reserve, just us.

Extreme Adventures

Q: What do you think sets you and other extreme adventurers apart from us “normal” folk?

A: I don’t see myself different to any one else, but i do believe that as an individual I am driven by a passion to make a difference. If I look at extreme adventure, it is a mind-set of self belief that is key to success, Adventure is a mental journey and needs massive preparation.

Q: You recently run the length of the Great Wall of China, an amazing 4200km in 98 days. What were the greatest lessons that you took away from the experience?

A: My journey along the Great Wall of China, achieving a world first record-breaking run of the entire length of the great wall. Pushing my body to the limit. Reaching deep into the inner strength of my mind.

Through this run I had to deal with life threatening situations and life changing decisions, ultimately realizing that in order to continue with my journey I had to embrace change and evolve.

I found out how important it is to be able to change as we travel our personal journeys through life to ultimately meet with success. We all have this ability, but must make that personal commitment to want to embrace change in order to move forward.

Q: Your next challenge is a solo run of the island of Madagascar with a few “twists”. Can you tell us about these twists and how you came about them?

A: Starting on 1 December in Pemba, Mozambique the multi-discipline, four-month event will see me kayak 700km across to Madagascar where after I will run the approximately 3000km up the centre of the island to the northern tip of Madagascar, before kite surfing and paddling the 1200km distance back to South Africa.

I decided on a multi discipline event as I wanted to involve aspects that would challenge me in a different way. The ocean has always played a massive part in my life from a young age, it’s intrigued me, yet terrified me and has my utmost respect. By including the paddle and kite, I feel this will be my most difficult challenge yet as they are both relatively new sports to me so I am going to have to dig really deep as I’ve already experienced in training.

Q: Which part of your preparation for an adventure is most difficult, the physical or the mental?

A: The two are intertwined, from good physical preparation comes mental strength by knowing that you can physically handle what lies ahead. But the mental resolve will pull you through, knowing that you are capable but you have to dig deep on a daily basis, the longer the event carries on the more difficult it is to remain focused, and to keep grinding on daily as your body becomes depleted and weaker.

Q: Which historical expedition impresses you the most?

A: What amazes me about historic expeditions is how the adventurers managed with the gear they had , clothing that was basic, navigation and lack of communication.There are two that stand out and that is the polar crossing and Everest – men of steel.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Crime is a global problem and experienced wherever one goes. It touches ones life, yes but there are far more positive things that we as a family have been through and more importantly look for and associate with – I feel its up to you as an individual to look for the positive side of each day – come on, I am so “Gatvoll” on negativity.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: No I have not, but I do love traveling and experiencing life in other countries and cultures. If I had to emigrate, I would take a return ticket to Cape Town.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I have no magic solution, but communication and accountability to the people who put me there would be a start. Install a simple value of respect.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: The drive from Gordon’s bay to Betties Bay, The view from Blaauwberg to Cape town. The view down the valley from th top of Franschoek pass.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What are the benefits of living in Cape Town for an extreme athlete?

A: There is the mountain to run on. The constant changing weather conditions for different training simulations, the ocean to kayak and kite in. Importantly, they all right next to each other. Then there is the sport science institute for the specialist training sessions.

Q: As a celebrity chef, which Capetonian would you most like to cook for? Which venue would you select for the occasion?

A: My Wife Lizelle for a Crayfish braai on the edge of Robben Island looking back at Cape Town.

Q: When not cooking yourself, where do enjoy going for the perfect Sunday lazy lunch?

A: The Foodbarn in Noordhoek Village or a simple lunch at Polana in Kalk Bay.

General

Q: A single piece of advice for anyone looking to set out on an extreme adventure?

A: Look at the risk and prepare well.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: There is a recurring one. Seeing the pride and joy in the fans eyes when south Africa succeeds.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Right where I am.

A massive thank you to David for finding the time in his training schedule to answer our questions. We wish David God-speed for his Madagascar Challenge and look forward to following his progress with great interest.

Daryl Impey

Izimvo is honoured to introduce professional cyclist Daryl Impey.

Daryl, at the age of 24, has recently signed with Lance Armstrong’s new team, Team RadioShack. Not only will Daryl be riding alongside the seven-time Tour de France winner but he will also be managed by Armstrong’s long-time team manager, Johan Bruyneel.

Back in April, Daryl suffered two broken vertebrae and a fractured jaw as a result a horrific crash at the Tour of Turkey. The manner in which Daryl always remained positive during his incredible recovery has been a true inspiration. After two months back on the bike, Daryl has made a full recovery and is looking stronger than ever.

Website: http://www.darylimpey.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/darylimpey
Location: Johanessburg

Daryl was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Easy, this is my friend. Daryl Impey (most say he is a cyclist)

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I take a box of Ouma rusks overseas each time I leave SA.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Coming back to SA is the best place for me to relax with my girlfriend, family and friends. Most of the time a braai at home does the trick.

Professional Cycling

Q: To what do you attribute the popularity of South African cycling over recent years?

A: I think when Rob won a stage at the tour, many riders (including myself) saw it was possible. Also MTB is growing more than Road due to the fact that our roads ae too dangerous to ride on.

Q: You recently suffered a very bad fall during a final sprint at the Presidential Cycling Tour in Turkey. Do you feel that the matter, in which it seemed that you were pushed by a fellow rider, was handled correctly?

A: The matter was dealt in the best way it could, it was handled according to the rules.

Q: Congratulations on your recent signing with Radioshack. What about living in Spain are you most looking forward to?

A: Thanks! Riding for Radioshack is going to be great for me and my career. The move to Spain wasn’t easy from Como, I need to learn a new language and make new friends, that being said I’ve weighed up the “pro’s” and “con’s” and Spain has so much more to offer. It has great weather for starters and most of my english riding friends stay in Girona. I’m looking forward to adding Spanish to my vocabulary.

Q: Which young local rider impresses you the most and do you think that a South African riding for a South African team could ever win the Tour de France?

A: I had a camp earlier this year called “Base Camp” and I had some juniors with me. It was aimed at young riders only and I was impressed with JC Nel who is still young but so eager to race. He has already won a race overseas this year. Winning the Tour de France is possible for any nation, it just depends on budget, management and most importantly the riders.

We have talent here in SA, it’s just sad we have no system in place yet for youngsters trying to make it overseas.It is not so easy to convince SA sponsors to have a team racing in Europe.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes my brother has been hi-jacked while riding and in his car. It makes you more alert, thats for sure. We know in the back of our minds we could be a statistic but we also have got used to it.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: Well for me it would be yes. I would purely emigrate because of my passport issues. Visa’s are the worst. I would probably end up living in Italy or Spain.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I would take Taxi’s off the road.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Sun city, Sabie and Cape Town.

Living on the Road

Q: Which is your favorite of the many cities that you get to race in?

A: I still think the Amashova has the best scenery for a race, although I never get a chance to do it now that I’m racing overseas.

Q: What do you find yourself doing on the days off during a long stage race?

A: Relaxing by the pool or watching some DVD’s. Most of the time I’ve got chores in the house as well.

Q: How do you find traveling on a South African passport?

A: An absolute nightmare,every Embassy I go to I am first treated as a criminal until proven innocent. I have to give so much personal info in order to get one. Europeans just jump on a plane. We give the access in SA without visa’s, but it’s not returned, explain that?!

General

Q: Do you have any routines that you like to follow before a big race?

A: Most of the time, 20 min before leaving the hotel, I have my bags packed and I just chill on the bed in my cycling kit listening to my music. I dont like to rush and go, I need to chill before heading to the bus. 20 min before the start, I knock an Espresso back and sign on.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: When Bafana scored a goal earlier this year vs Brazil from the penalty to make it go to extra time.

Q: Which cycling personality have you most enjoyed meeting?

A: Ah thats a difficult one. There loads like Rob Hunter, Malcolm Lange, Doug Ryder and Nic White. They’ve steered me in the right direction and they all have totally different personalities.

Q: Which South African bands are in the music collection that you travel with?

Q: They not a band but a group called Household Funk. They make their own music, parties and put it together brilliantly. Check them out at www.householdfunk.co.za

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Anyone who can teach me why my ball fades to the right each time I play golf. Seriously!

We would like to thank Daryl for taking the time to answer our questions and we look forward to a long and very successful career from this Jeppe Old Boy.