I (Tim Goodenough) couldn’t agree more, the only thing that is more outrageous than this idea is the fact that South African Olympians (in general) have seriously underperformed since our readmission to the international arena. Let me clarify underperformance – they have underperformed in relation to their talent and their ability – (in general) they have not performed to their potential.
We have real challenges in South Africa, there is no disputing that. But we also have some of the worlds best athletes AND specialists, this project is about getting together like-minded specialists to work together to give our world class athletes world class support in every area that we can.
9 Golds for South Africa in 2012.
This is outrageous, but it is also very possible.
Since 1992 we have had 4 gold medals. Penny Heyns (x2), Josiah Thugwane and the Awesome foursome – Roland Schoeman, Lyndon Ferns, Darian Townsend and Ryk Neethling.
When I first conceived this project I wanted to go for 5 Golds! As a proud South African I was sick and tired of our talented Olympians not proving to the world how good we are. Instead of waiting around for something to happen, I wanted to do something! And so this project was conceived.
When I shared this idea with Naat Loubser (Head of Strength and Conditioning at the HPC), he said he would only be part of it, if we went for 9 golds! Why 9? Because it is one more than Michael Phelps got – and getting one more than him, (from 0 Golds in 2008) would be cool! I couldn’t agree more!
This project has 3 arms.
The Athletes that we have targeted as Gold medallists
The Specialist team that wants to support them
The Sponsors who want to support the Specialist team supporting our Gold medallists.
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