Caster Semenya is a winner. The 29-year-old South African is the two-time women’s 800m Olympic champion, a three-time 800m world champion and a double Commonwealth Games middle distance gold medallist. To wrap those figures in further context, when Semenya won the Doha Diamond League 800m in May 2019, it was her 30th consecutive victory over the distance.
Put simply, when fit, in-form and free to run without distraction, Semenya is almost unbeatable over the 800m. But these are not circumstances often afforded to Semenya, who lives with a condition in which her body produces a much higher level of testosterone than most other women.
In 2009, on the eve of the women’s 800m World Championship final, it was revealed that World Athletics (then the IAAF) had asked her to undergo gender verification testing. Semenya was permitted to compete in the final and won gold but was subsequently stopped from competing for nearly a year.
In 2011 the IAAF established official rules restricting female athletes with elevated levels of testosterone, arguing it presents an unfair advantage. From 2011 to 2019 Semenya was locked in a cycle of appeals and court cases until the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of IAAF regulations stating that female athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) are required to take testosterone-reducing medication to compete in track events from 400m to the mile.
Caster Semenya has appealed against this judgement to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. But in March 2020 the soft-spoken athlete revealed on social media that she now aims to compete in the 200m.
“My dream has always been, and will continue to be, to compete at the highest level of sport and so in order to pursue my goals and dreams I have decided to change events and compete in the 200m,” said Caster Semenya, whose personal best in the 200m at the time was 23.49 seconds.
Do not bet against Caster Semenya lowering that to the Olympic qualification mark of 22.80 seconds in time for Tokyo 2020. This, after all, is an athlete who won the 400m, 800m and 1500m in the space of three hours one extraordinary afternoon at the 2016 South African National Championships.
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Eben Etzebeth is one of South Africa’s most accomplished rugby players, known for his fierce competitiveness, leadership, and remarkable athleticism. Standing tall at 6’8” and weighing over 120kg, Etzebeth’s physical presence is matched by his exceptional skill and strategic brilliance on the field.
He made his Springbok debut in 2012 at just 20 years old and has since earned over 100 Test caps, making him one of South Africa’s most capped players. His contributions have been pivotal to the Springboks’ successes, including their historic Rugby World Cup wins in 2019 and 2023.
Born into a rugby-loving family, Eben Etzebeth honed his skills in South Africa’s competitive school and provincial rugby systems before making a name for himself with the Stormers in Super Rugby. His unmatched work ethic and ability to dominate in tight contests have earned him accolades both locally and internationally. Beyond his exploits on the field, he has also played professionally for Toulon in France and the Sharks, solidifying his reputation as one of rugby’s global icons.
Off the field, Eben is known for his quiet yet impactful leadership style, inspiring teammates and fans alike through his actions rather than words. His journey from a promising young player to one of the sport’s greats is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and relentless commitment. Whether sharing insights on teamwork, leadership, or overcoming challenges, Eben brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to every stage.
Eben Etzebeth continues to leave a lasting legacy in rugby, embodying the spirit of the Springboks while inspiring the next generation of players and leaders.
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Dr Ross Tucker has a PhD in Exercise Science from the University of Cape Town, where he studied fatigue and the role of the brain in performance.
He has also obtained a Post-Graduate in Sports Management from UCT and he spent three years working in the sports business industry, where he was responsible for strategic marketing and sponsorship packaging.
Dr. Tucker returned to sports science in 2010 and he is currently an Honorary Senior Lecturer at UCT as well as a consultant scientist to the Sports Science Institute of South Africa.
He is the high performance sports scientist to the South African Sevens Rugby and SA Kayaking.
Dr Ross Tucker has consulted to various sporting federations on their high performance strategies, including the International Rugby Board, the US Olympic Committee, the South African Olympic Committee, the English Rugby Union and the GB Olympic Sports Science departments.
Dr Ross Tucker is known for his forthright opinion and analysis of sporting events and stories and he has written articles for the New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian UK and Times of London (as well as numerous South African newspapers, magazines and media outlets).
He was recently short-listed as one of the Top 200 Most Influential South Africans by the Mail & Guardian newspaper in South Africa.
Dr Tucker talks with authority and insight gained from experience and analysis of the high performance sports world. He is a high performance consultant with various high performance teams and athletes, including the USA Olympic Committee, UK Sport, SA Olympic Confederation, South African rugby, SA Rowing, SA Kayaking.
Borrowing from his insights and experiences in high performance sport, Dr Ross Tucker shares the principles and concepts that can drive businesses and individuals to the next level.
His background of having a dual qualification in sports science and management/marketing positions him ideally to bridge the gap between data and strategy, science and commerce, to motivate and inspire leaders to seek the hidden advantages that can be gleaned from high performance sport.
Dr Ross Tucker is also a highly sought after speaker and opinion-leader, recently voted into the Mail and Guardian’s list of the top 200 Influential Young South Africans.
He has written articles for publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian (UK), and Der Spiegl, and made numerous TV appearances as an expert contributor to news stations including CNN, Sky News, BBC News, SABC and e-TV.
He is known for his forthright views, engaging presentation style and ability to communicate critical concepts simply, accurately and entertainingly.
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John McGrath stands as a beacon of transformation and resilience, captivating audiences worldwide with his compelling journey from an Irish athlete to a celebrated high-performance coach in Cape Town, South Africa. His core message emphasizes the boundless potential within everyone, advocating that with unwavering discipline and mental fortitude, anyone can transcend their limitations and achieve greatness.
Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, John has dedicated his life to empowering others, guiding them to unlock their innate genius. His multifaceted background as an international rower, martial artist, and one of Africa’s last performing strongmen enriches his narrative, making his story not just about physical prowess but about the relentless pursuit of excellence and personal growth.
John McGrath’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. Originating from Ireland, he distinguished himself as an international rower, showcasing not only physical strength but also an indomitable spirit. His passion for martial arts led him to attain multiple black belts across five different styles, reflecting his commitment to discipline and continuous learning.
Relocating to South Africa, John embraced the rich cultural tapestry of his new home, integrating his diverse skills into the local sports and wellness communities. His expertise as a strength and conditioning coach has been instrumental in the success of various athletes, notably his collaboration with South African long jumper Luvo Manyonga. Under John’s mentorship, Manyonga overcame personal challenges to secure a silver medal at the Rio Olympics and a gold at the World Championships, epitomizing the transformative impact of John’s coaching philosophy.
Beyond the realm of sports, John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish FitLife, a premier fitness facility in Cape Town. This venture serves as a hub for individuals seeking to enhance their physical and mental well-being, embodying John’s holistic approach to health. His belief that “the body achieves what the mind believes” underscores his methodology, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between mental and physical conditioning.
As a motivational speaker, John McGrath captivates audiences with his authentic storytelling and actionable insights. He draws parallels between his personal experiences and universal challenges, offering strategies that inspire change and foster resilience. His talks are not just lectures but immersive experiences that challenge attendees to introspect and embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Event planners seeking a speaker who embodies authenticity, resilience, and actionable insights will find John McGrath to be an invaluable addition to their events. His diverse experiences resonate with a wide array of audiences, from corporate professionals to aspiring athletes, ensuring that his message of unlocking personal potential is both relatable and inspiring.
John McGrath’s approach is deeply rooted in practical wisdom. He doesn’t just theorize about success; he has lived it, overcoming personal and professional challenges to emerge stronger. This lived experience allows him to connect genuinely with audiences, offering them not just motivation but tangible strategies for personal and professional growth.
Furthermore, John’s dynamic presentation style, coupled with his ability to tailor his message to the specific needs of an event, ensures that attendees are engaged, inspired, and equipped with tools to implement positive changes in their lives. His commitment to fostering a mindset of excellence makes him a standout choice for events aiming to leave a lasting impact on their participants.
John McGrath’s evolution from an Irish athlete to a renowned high-performance coach and motivational speaker in South Africa is a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to personal excellence. His multifaceted expertise, encompassing athletic achievements, martial arts mastery, and entrepreneurial ventures, positions him uniquely to inspire and empower diverse audiences. Event planners seeking a speaker who offers authenticity, practical insights, and a proven track record of transforming lives will find in John a partner dedicated to making their event both impactful and memorable.
Hashtags: #JohnMcGrath #HighPerformanceCoach #MotivationalSpeaker #UnlockYourPotential #Resilience #MindOverMatter #FitLife #CapeTown
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Michael Scholz is an accomplished speaker and has MC’d hundreds of events over the past few years.
He has also assisted a number of auction memorabilia companies with incorporating and auctioning auction items at golf days and fundraising events.
Michael Scholz is a professional golfer and current member of the Sunshine Tour.
In the past, he has competed extensively on a number of the major professional golfing circuits around the world, namely the European Tour, the Asian Tour, the European Challenge Tour and of course, on the South African Sunshine Tour.
Master of Ceremonies
Michael is an accomplished speaker and has MC’d hundreds of events over the past few years.
He has also assisted a number of auction memorabilia companies with incorporating and auctioning auction items at golf days and fundraising events.
He can adapt the genre of the event’s requirements from comedy functions through to formal and gala evenings.
The Show
Typically the trick shot show is around 40 minutes, but can be adapted to be longer or shorter. No less than 30 minutes is required for the full entertainment value to be achieved.
Michael’s trick shot show incorporates various trick shots, including hitting golf balls:
Off a skateboard
Backwards
Left-Handed & Right-Handed
One-Handed
Off One Knee
Off Both Knees
With the back of a Club
Off one Leg
Off a Beer Bottle
Off a cellphone
High Tees
Michael’s show also features various impersonations of some of the world’s legendary golfers, many of whom he has played and socialised with.
The impersonations include Gary Player, Ian Woosnam, David Feherty, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, John Daly, Phil Mickelson and a few others.
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Bruce Fordyce is a well known name in Athletics after his record run in the Comrades Marathon over the years.
In 1977, when Fordyce ran his first Comrades Marathon, he placed 43rd out of 1,678 entries. He placed 14th in 1978, 3rd in 1979, 2nd in 1980, and he was the winner for an unprecedented eight consecutive years from 1981 to 1988; he won again in 1990. No other runner in the history of the Comrades has achieved this feat.
Bruce also held the record time for the “up” run (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and his record of 5:24:07 for the “down” run (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) stood for 21 years from 1986 until it was broken in 2007 by Russia’s Leonid Shvetsov.
Presentations:
Bruce Fordyce delivers an insightful presentation called “In the Long Run”.
It is an inspiring 40 minute talk incorporating exciting visuals of South Africa and the World Cup. In it, Bruce invites his fellow South Africans to remember how great we were in 201 0 and encourages us to maintain that positive energy.
Bruce Fordyce will inspire your conference through his talk on how to push past barriers to achieve greatness.
It’s the most exciting challenge a runner can face: that first big marathon. With this practical guide to everything from physiology to great gear—now updated for this third edition—novices can train themselves up from scratch to their first six mile race and then on to half, full, and ultra-marathons.
Full-color diagrams, detailed text, fact-filled charts, and superb action photographs explain running science in an accessible and inspiring way.
All the crucial information is here: an analysis of how muscles work and injuries occur, advice on choosing the right running shoe, suggestions for a proper runner’s diet, plus practical training schedules and pacing tables for measuring progress.
Even an absolute beginner will be ready to take on that big run in six months!
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