Henri Schoeman made history last year in Rio, when he became the first South African to ever win a medal in the triathlon event.
What the South African public may not know is that the 26-year-old won bronze shortly after recovering from a severe chest infection, a testament to his dedication and discipline. Schoeman, renowned for his cycling and swimming dominance, surprised many at the Olympics with a strong running performance that helped him clinch third place and claim his place among the world’s best.
His Olympic bronze was achieved off the back of his gold medal at the 2016 ITU Grand Final in Cozumel, Mexico, which saw him finish the season in fourth place overall. The passionate triathlete also spends time developing the next generation of triathletes alongside his coach and father, Joe Schoeman.
True to his millennial status, Schoeman uses technology, most notably Skype, to hold virtual cycling sessions with enthusiasts from all over the world, as he gives back to the sport that has given him so much. Schoeman has only scratched the surface of his seemingly endless talent.
If his recent performance is anything to go by, we can expect more accolades and another Olympic podium finish by the time he turns 30.
|Stay humble and always remain who you truly are.|
