On The Couch with SA Olympic Marathon Runner Rene Kalmer

1 Favourite dessert / sweet

Belgian Waffle with caramel sauce.

2 Favourite movie

How to loose a guy in 10days.

3 If you could go see any band live, who would it be?

Train

4 Have you ever arrived at an event and discovered you didn’t have your running shoes? (I know Russian Basketball captain has arrived at an international game with no shoes and a mate of mine recently went travelling with two right shoes)

No, luckily not! I have a checklist. Racers - check, running vest -check. race number - check, energy drink- check, stopwatch - check.

5 Best road trip to an event?

December 2011, my sister, Christine and I went to Zanzibar. We used local transport, daladalas (2$) instead of 50$ Taxi rides,to save money for cocktails. The highlight was when we swam with dolphins at Kizimkazi.

6 A moment that stands out for you while competing? (Can be running down The Mall in London, seeing someone in the crowd or a light drizzle as you compete against millions in China)

Running the marathon at the Olympic Games was a career highlight especially seeing all the support on route in the pouring rain.

7 What do you think about while running?

Just keep running! Just keep running!

8 Best conditions to run in?

Sunny, not too hot or humid! No wind or rain. Basically Durban in the winter.

9 If you could shake anyone’s hand and hang out with them for half an hour, who would it be?

Paula Radcliffe

10 A day in the life of an SA Marathon runner entails…

Get up at 5am to do a morning run with Christine, sometimes Irvette joins us.

Breakfast, before a 9am Pilates classor gym session at Virgin Active.

A sport massage once a week, not so pleasant experience.

An hour nap before I meet my coach Gerrie Coetzee at the track for a quality workout.

11 Best part of the London Olympics?

Th London Olympics was one big highlight. Staying in the Olympic Village with 10 000 Sport stars. The dining hall that's open for 24hours and can seat 5 000 people at a time. All the freebies from generous sponsors like Adidas and Oakley. Having a lot of family and friends in London to support me, all wearing "Run Rene Run" t-shirts that was designed by Christine. of course coming back from London with a boyfriend...

 
12 Favourite destination (Can be to compete or for holidays)

Island anywhere

13 New Year’s resolutions – did you make any and have you stuck to it / broken them yet.

Not big on New Year's resolutions or keeping them.

These are daft either or questions… 
14 Early morning catches the worm or late night owl?

Early morning catches the worm.

15 Sugar or spice?

Spice

16 10km or Marathon?

10km, especially a Spar Ladies 10km

17 Left or Right foot first

Left

18 Rugby, soccer or Cricket? (Give team names)

Rugby! Big Cheetah supporter

On The Couch with SA Olympic Marathon Runner Tanith Maxwell

Caught up with SA Olympic Marathon Runner, Tanith Maxwell after she came ninth in the Berlin 25km race. She is preparing for the upcoming SPAR Women's 10/5km Race

1 Favourite dessert / sweet?

Desserts in general are a favourite, but I guess crème brûlée edges ahead of everything else!

2 Favourite movie?

Enjoy historical movies, but I think 'atonement' stands out above the rest!

3 If you could go see any band live, who would it be?

I honestly don't know! I like music, but am not into live concerts so nothing comes to mind!

4 Have you ever arrived at an event and discovered you didn’t have your running shoes?

Not quite as bad as no shoes, but I did arrive with no liners in my shoes! It was a very hard run and the blisters were dreadful!

5 Best road trip to an event?

I think it has to be traveling down to race the 'Voet of Afrika' in Bredasdorp! Had never been there and I had quite a raucous bunch of runners that I had organized a lift with! Not the usual way I travel to events!

6 A moment that stands out for you while competing?

I think stepping onto Tower Bridge in London during the Virgin London Marathon! It's such an amazing landmark and to have the whole bridge to yourself makes it extra special!

7 What do you think about while running?

Get asked this a lot and I really have to sit and think about it! Easy runs I can think about literally anything, but harder training sessions ......well then nothing!

8 Best conditions to run in?

Being a Durbanite I like the warmer conditions! Tried to run a race in March in Poland and couldn't get my legs to function properly!

9 If you could shake anyone’s hand and hang out with them for half an hour, who would it be?

The Queen, Queen Elizabeth! Have always been an avid supporter of the English monarchy and Queen Elizabeth is a remarkable figure!

10 A day in the life of an SA Marathon runner entails…

Gosh there is not much besides eating, training and sleeping! It really does get that monotonous and boring during heavy training!

11 Best part of the London Olympics?

Have to give you two! First, walking into the stadium for the opening ceremony and the second coming down the finish of the Olympic marathon in the Mall outside Buckingham Palace! Both magical moments!

12 Favourite destination?

Love Scotland! Nothing beats training in the highlands around a picturesque loch! The weather can let you down though!

13 New Year’s resolutions – did you make any and have you stuck to it / broken them yet

Don't make New Year’s resolutions! Some friends and family tend to make for me, but I never stick to those either!

14 Early morning catches the worm or late night owl?

Definitely an early worm, fade significantly from 9pm!

15 Sugar or spice?

Sugar, can't get enough!

16 10km or Marathon?

Marathon for sure! Don't have the zippy 10km speed!

17 Left or Right foot first

Right! I'm right handed and not very coordinated!

18 Rugby, soccer or Cricket? (Give team names)

Has to be rugby, and it's the sharks all the way!

YMCA World Basketball Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal

The opening shot, Philani Mabaso from SPAR Amazulu FC was the first participant to stand on the line shooting a hoop to get into the Guinness World Records at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal down in Albert Park.

Inspector Luke Kalidin from the Albert Park Metro Police gears up to shoot a hoop at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal.

Kristin Degou from PeacePlayers International shows a young ball player the steps.

The interest, the queue to shoot a hoop.

Participating in the Guinness World Record attempt, Olympic Marathon Runner from Kloof, Tanith Maxwell is pictured shooting a hoop at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal on Saturday in Albert Park. Durban had two venues where people were able to shoot a hoop and tallied up a total of 1,925 people in the global basketball challenge. South Africa had four centres participating, Soweto, Athlone in Cape Town and Student Y at the Howard Campus joined Albert Park in the challenge. Maxwell was number 167 to shoot a hoop, having arrived early to participate and Olympic Hockey Player and current South African captain Lenise Marais joined in the fun activities being number 773 to be recorded to shoot.

Participating in the global basketball challenge, Albert Park residents Jared Anthony (12 years old) and Nicholas Govender (10 years old) enjoyed the day’s activities at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal. 1,925 people in Durban took part in the Guinness World Record attempt that had over 70 countries around the world enjoying the sport that the YMCA invented.

Saturday’s Guinness World Record basketball attempt saw a variety of games being played, pictured here is Timo Nzombo from Albert Park United as he goes high in an effort pass during the game against the PeacePlayers International. Americans Kyler McClary and Kristin Degou defend as the Albert Park United player attacks in the exhibition game at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal global basketball challenge.

Young and old all lined up to shoot a hoop on the day.

Debby Van Der Heerver dribbles the ball up in a fun game at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal global basketball challenge, the Bluff resident was part of the Guinness World Record attempt.

Olympic hockey player and current South African captain, Lenise Marias smiles before shooting a hoop during the Guinness World Record attempt, Marias was the 773th person to shoot at Albert Park at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal.

  

YMCA World Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal

Durban: Albert Park: 13 October

A fabulously successful day saw hundreds of people of all walks of life come down to Albert Park to participate in the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal global basketball challenge.

The aim of the fun filled day was to be entered into the Guinness World Record where YMCA’s from around the world, starting in New Zealand and finishing up in Hawaii, aimed to welcome 5 million people to attempt to shoot a hoop.

The YMCA who invented basketball in 1871 had over 70 countries participating around the world with four centres in South Africa including Student Y at Howard College UKZN and YMCA Central in Albert Park. The number of people that supported the record attempt is over 3 thousand with 925 recorded at Albert Park and 1,000 people at Student Y. The record attempt also included two South African Olympic athletes, Marathon Runner Tanith Maxwell and Hockey Player and current captain, Lenise Marais who both successfully stood on the line, effortlessly finding the centre of the hoop.

The theme of the day was basketball and new comers to the game were treated to a coaching session by the American based Basketball organisation, the PeacePlayers International, as well as watching them in action in an invitational game between the PeacePlayers International and Albert Park United.

Rev Ian Booth CEO of Greater Durban YMCA enthused, “We are astounded by the response of people who came down to participate. Young and old all lined up and were counted.”

Talking about if the Guinness World Record had successfully been broken, Booth continued, “We await the news. The World Alliance of YMCA in Geneva is gathering all the tallies from across the globe. I know that Argentina managed to get over 20,000 people and the Czech Republic recorded 1,174 people. Once the documentation is handed over to the Guinness Book of Records, they have 16 weeks to analyse, so the process is lengthy!”

Close to two thousand people from Durban joined five continents, 96 cities and thousands of fun spirited people in a global celebration of basketball in the hope of creating a Guinness World Record.

Chatting to an Olympic Paddler - Tiffany Kruger

Toti’s very own paddle-powered Olympian, Tiffany Kruger is settling back into reality after her extraordinary adventure to the London Olympics in August this year.

Reflecting after the this auspicious occasion, Kruger enthused, “My highlight of the Olympics would definitely be competing against the best in the world, whilst having an enormous amount of support from all those back home and not to forget the huge crowd support from the banks of the lake, one moment I will remember for the rest of my life!”

Competing in a field of 29 ladies in the 200m Women’s Kayak K1 category, the 25 year old sprint specialist was eliminated in the heats, “For me the race was on another level completely everything you imagine it to be you can multiply that by ten. The organisation was phenomenal and the course was amazing, making everything perfect.”

She cheerfully continued, “Having had the opportunity to compete at London 2012, I certainly learnt a lot and know what needs to be done moving forward, that being said I am looking forward to Rio 2016 and all the competitions prior to the next Games. I am excited to move forward with a new perspective and a new plan.”

Having only arrived towards the end of the games, she made the most of her time soaking up the experience, “The fan park was phenomenal there were so many remarkable athletes present although I did get to meet Olympic Gold Medallist in the high jump event, Ivan Ukhov, a real inspiration.”

“I had the honour of attending the Closing Ceremony. I must say that it was one to remember being surrounded by all the top athletes in the world, many wearing their medals around their necks, watching the biggest concert in the world. It really brings unity and ended off with an introduction to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games which I must say excited me the most.”

Being back at home, the dynamite package had a month break after the Olympics, “My life revolved around training and preparation for London so it was really nice just to sit back and relax and do absolutely nothing. Since my return, I have also been involved in a few events and fundraisers which kept me busy and which I really enjoyed.”

Considered to be fledgling in the paddling world, Kruger is eyeing out her next big item on her to-do-list, Rio 2016 is most definitely on my list. I would also like to go back to my roots in the ocean and do some lifesaving and surf ski paddling to mix it up.”

Her eyes light up when she talks about her passion, “The best part of paddling? The scenery, we get to travel to some picturesque places and the lakes, dams and rivers are beautiful. The people in the paddling world are really down to earth and I have made many friends along the way.”

Having experienced one of the biggest sporting events in the world, Kruger urges, “Anything is possible if you are dedicated and love what you are doing.  Never lose the love for the sport!”

Asked what she would like for her legacy to be, she confidently responds, “Passionate, dedicated and a role model to up and coming athletes.”

Kruger is hoping to notch up another milestone in her career that of a Guinness World Record where she, along with 5,000,000 from 96 countries will be shooting a hoop on 13 October as part of the YMCA World Basketball Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal.

ENDS

YMCA World Basketball Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal

  

Durban: Albert Park: 13 October

Five continents, 96 cities, one day all with one aim, to mobilise 5 million people during a global celebration of shooting hoops in an attempt to create a Guinness World Record on 13 October with the YMCA World Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal.

Basketball originated at the YMCA in 1891. A physical education teacher, Canadian-born James Naismith invented the game when he took a soccer ball and a peach basket into the YMCA gym, thus a new game was born.

The YMCA event will take place in thousands of local communities around the world highlighting a global basketball shoot-out that starts in New Zealand, and ends in Hawaii following the time zone progression. The day’s activities will be connected by live broadcasting and other forms of social media during the day, creating a link with various communities and cultures.

The official count will be around how many people are shooting basketballs on the day, not the actual scoring of the goals.

Rev Ian Booth, CEO of the Greater Durban YMCA stated, “We are hoping that everyone coming to Albert Park will be brave enough to shoot a hoop. The whole day is going to be extremely colourful, along with some competitive action on the court.”

“The day is about fun, but also an opportunity to display what the YMCA is all about. The message we would like to achieve is; make a contribution, get involved in your communities, there are some great things happening. We are creating a safe space for young people,” Booth echoed.

In South Africa, YMCA Athlone in Cape Town will be participating in this record attempt. The common element on the day will be basketball but a number of other attractions will keep the crowd entertained.   In Durban, the day will involve activities for all ages; basketball skill development, friendly basketball games, entertainment, food and tons of fun organised by Greater Durban YMCA.

The International Federation of Basketball (FIBA) and UNESCO are worldwide supporters of the initiative.

The events will be open to everyone. Come down to Albert Park and shoot a hoop, making global history at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal Global Challenge on 13 October. 

For more info contact: Thandeka Ntshangase on thandeka@saymca.org.za or 031 305 4496

To follow the event on Facebook like our page South Africa YMCA or Twitter on YMCA_SA

        

Chatting to an Olympic Hockey Player - Lenise Marais

Two weeks, 193 athletes, 20 sports, 6 medals and countless memories, the South African Olympic team sure made our country extremely proud, one member of the team was Montclair’s Lenise Marais who participated in the women’s hockey, returning with their best result in an Olympics, finishing tenth overall.

“It was a truly memorable occasion, being there with my team through it all. I shall cherish the memories.” a smiling Marais shared.

“The Opening Ceremony was magical. Seeing the torch being lit was a tingling experience.”

Having competed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Marais commented, “London did well! There were obviously some differences but overall we were all very impressed! Beijing will always be very special to me; it was my first Olympics so experiencing all my Olympic firsts. But having the honour of competing at both was fantastic!”

Marais, who plays in the defence, wearing jersey number 21, said “All the games at the Olympics are tough. We opened up our Olympic campaign against Argentina who won the silver medal, and it didn’t get any easier after that.”

“Our final pool game against USA, we managed a convincing win which gave us a bounce in our step. One of my best moments during the Olympics would have to be saving a ball flying into the goal off the line, got the heart pumping and boosted my confidence.”

“It was a sweet feeling not having to play the eleventh and twelfth classification match and our performance means that we have now jumped up to number ten in the world rankings, now that is an achievement! Obviously we have seen which areas we need to work more on and will do that. But as mentioned, a move up the table is very rewarding, now for a few more places.” she smiles mischievously.

The hockey world had the opportunity to play on the brightly coloured pink and blue pitch, which we as viewers sitting at home battled to keep track of the ball, Marias laughed, “We played and trained on the pink and blue turf before the tournament so we were ok with it. Friends did message me complaining that they struggled to keep an eye on the ball watching TV, and when I watched the game on TV could see what they meant.”

Chatting about her time off between games, “Off the pitch, in and around the Olympic Village, I had the opportunity to meet Roger Federer; he was very nice and let us take a team photo with him. I also spotted Serena Williams, the Italian tennis player Francesca Schiavone, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, a few American swimmers and Steve Waugh and John Eales who were travelling with the Australian team. Certainly sporting icons were everywhere!”

“We were lucky enough to be able to rest for a bit after all of our pool games giving us the opportunity to see some sights, shopped a little, the exchange rate guarantees that and even went to the theatre.”

Having been away from home since May, she is slowly getting used to normal life, with the hockey season in full swing she intends to get back into the swing of things shortly.  “Hopefully we can win the upcoming Champions Challenge and move into the Champions Trophy event with the intention of staying there. I would have to say that would have to be my next goal.”

Asked how she would encourage young up and coming players, she assures, “Preparation is vital. Surround yourself with people who can help you with this, and push you. If you choose for it, then go full out.”

Marais, who is a teacher at Durban Girls’ High School certainly lives the Olympic motto of Inspire a Generation, concluding she states, “My legacy, flip.” Pondering she then continues, “I’m just a hockey player trying my best to do what is necessary and best for my team, all the time!”