Thathe Msimango
Sanele Shange has written himself into the history books by becoming the first black South African triathlon athlete to compete in the Ironman World Championship.
The race, held annually, consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle, and 42km run.
This year’s event starts on 6 October in Hawaii.
Shange, who came second in the 2021 African Ironman Championship in Gqeberha, faced a stumbling block at first when he was required to raise the sum of R250,000 to make his dream a reality.
He created a BackaBuddy account and a good Samaritan through the Spar group came on board to sponsor the trip.
Despite all the shining light, Shange is still in disbelief at how the national sports department failed him after promising to assist him.
“I’m over the moon that I’m about to make history. This is a dream come true for me. I never imagined that I would achieve so much in a short space of time in the sports code,” said an elated Shange.
“I thought getting financial support was going to be easy but it wasn’t the case. The national sports department engaged with me and promised to assist but they went cold.
“I don’t know why they decided to pull out. It was quite disappointing to witness but I’m happy some people injected funds to make my dream possible.”
The 30-year-old athlete who hails from Gigindlovu in KwaZulu-Natal is currently coached by Donovan Dutch, who won the 2019 World Triathlon Championships in the 34-39 age category.
Shange is expected to leave the country on 28 September to get used to the weather conditions in Hawaii.
“My dream is to represent the country with pride. I need to show all ordinary South Africans that dreams are valid,” he said.
“This achievement shall inspire all kinds of people to stay positive in life. I’m fully prepared and I hope to leave a mark on race day.”
