The World Aquatics Masters Championships have concluded, with South African swimmers and water wonders setting multiple world records, winning almost 20 gold medals, and placing on many other podiums!

Global (05 March 2024) — The 2024 World Aquatics Masters Championships saw an abundance of good news for South Africa thanks to an epic performance from the swimmers representing the Rainbow Nation in Doha. Together, these swimmers raked in 17 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 17 bronze medals, while setting new local, competition, and world records!

Ingrid Trusler started off the victory path after she placed first in the 65-69 age group in water swimming before setting a South African and Masters Championship Record when she came first in the ladies’ 800m.

SA scooped a few bronze positions in various heats alongside a dazzling first place from Marc Allen in the Men 100m Freestyle in the 45-49 division. Tim Shead, who also set a competition record, earned gold in the 100m Breastroke (70-74 division).

Tim didn’t slow down there, and neither did Ingrid. Both swimmers added more gold to their tallies in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke and Women’s 400m Freestyle, respectively. Not to mention, Ingrid made a mighty splash with another South African Record AND a Championship Record!

But this was only the beginning of the victory laps. Greg McLeroth and Sally Ralfe scored silver, while Tim, Calvin Maughan, and Marc shone brightly in first place in the gold lane.

Marc’s win in the Men 100m Butterfly saw him set both a World Record and a Competition Record.

In the relay races, South African teams earned medals across the board. The Mixed freestyle Relay CTMSC team even set a World Record and a Competition Record while the Mixed Medley Relay matched that energy and made the same records. A special shoutout to the CTMSC Men’s Freestyle Relay team whose first place saw them set a Competition Record!

By Day 6, Tim had set yet another Competition Record for the Men 200m Breaststroke while Harald Ruck joined the Competition Record rockers for his 50m Backstroke.

Marc went on to set another World Record on day 7 for the Men 50m Butterfly while other swimmers earned gold (Ingrid Trusler and Cecilia Stanford) and bronze for their efforts.

“South Africa, you totally rocked the pool with your talent, showing the world what you’re made of. You’ve inspired us all with your dedication and spirit,” shared Melanie Van Wyk. 

All in all, the Masters Championships saw SA relish in:

• 17 Gold wins
• 7 Silver wins
• 17 Bronze wins

An outstanding achievement!

Sources: Swimming South Africa

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Medal Snags and New Records from Doha Masters Championships appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In another example of why age is but a number and never something that should hold anyone back from going after their goals, powerhouse Gill Tregenna (who is in her 80s) has broken a world walking record!

Cape Town, South Africa (04 March 2024) — Gill Tregenna has just etched her name into the history books after she cracked a world walking record and left a trail of inspiration behind her.

At Athletics South Africa’s South African Champs held in Cape Town on Saturday, Gill saddled up to compete in the 80-85 category’s twenty-kilometre walk.

Putting the power in a power walk, the member of the Westville Athletic Club didn’t just make herself and her club proud, but South Africa after she made international victory with her new world walking record.

A treasure of an achievement at any age, Gill’s moment is even more significant considering all the inspiration we are sure her determination will impart to anyone who has ever thought that age restricts achievements.

No stranger to achievements (many of which have been in the past few years) in 2023, Gill competed in the African Masters Championship, came first and broke the South African 10km record for her division by a whopping two minutes. And a few years before that, she won the Athletics South Africa Champs’ 10km which led her to hold the title of the fastest female in South Africa for her age group!

Meanwhile, in other news of determined female South African athletes doing history-making things, Amber Fillary broke three Guinness World Records in the space of two days in a must-read series of achievements. 

Sources: Website submission; Westville Athletic Club 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Westville Walker in Her 80s Breaks a World Walking Record! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Three times was certainly the charm for Amber Fillary whose incredible determination saw her break not one, but three Guinness World Records in the space of two days!

Konsberg, Norway (04 March 2024) — South African record holder, Amber Fillary, has made history once again, setting not one, but three new Guinness World Records this weekend in Konsberg, Norway!

On Saturday, 2nd March 2024, Amber shattered her previous record by swimming 100 meters under the ice in a single breath, wearing only a costume.

As if that achievement wasn’t enough, she pushed herself even further, breaking her own record the following day by swimming an astonishing 105 meters under the ice in a single breath, still wearing only a costume.

Despite these incredible achievements, Amber still had enough gas in the tank to set ANOTHER record.  Demonstrating unparalleled determination and skill, she swam an incredible 110 meters under the ice on a single breath accompanied by a costume and a monofin.

Thanks to her triple threat of World Records, Amber has secured her place in the halls of sports history as the sole individual to have swum the furthest under the ice in a single breath.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aleksander Nordahl (@freedivingnorway)

In an exclusive statement, Amber Fillary expressed her elation at her unprecedented achievement, saying,

“I am beyond ecstatic to have broken not one, but three Guinness World Records in the span of just two days. This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I am immensely grateful for the support of my sponsor, Carrick Wealth, whose unwavering belief in me has been instrumental in this success.”

The athlete’s feats extend far beyond the realm of athletics; serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Drawing from her own struggles with mental health issues, Fillary hopes to raise awareness and inspire others to overcome their own challenges.

“I dedicate these records to everyone who is battling with mental health issues,” she remarked. “I want to show that no matter how difficult things may seem, with determination and support, anything is possible. Together, we can break through barriers and achieve the extraordinary.”

Sources: Supplied / Free Diving Norway

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South African Swimmer Amber Fillary Broke 3 Guinness World Records in 2 Days! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Down Syndrome superstar athlete Zora Wegerif was given the incredible opportunity to represent SA by competing at the 2024 Trisome Games. But, that’s not the best part of the story. In under two weeks, people rallied together to make sure that she would be able to pay her way there and secure her chance to make SA proud. Their effort, in turn, has already given SA so much to be proud of:

Global (04 March 2024) — Athletes across disciplines know the emotional rollercoaster that is being selected to participate in international competitions. On the one hand, you’re ecstatic to have been given the opportunity to represent the rainbow nation in a sport you’ve worked so hard to excel at. But on the other hand, the financial headaches that come with this kind of opportunity are enough to make most South Africans’ hearts sink. This was the initial case for Zora Wegerif and her family after Zora, a talented swimmer, was given the chance to represent South Africa at the upcoming Trisome Games—a big competition for Down Syndrome athletes.

If her name rings a bell, you might remember Zora as the very first person with Down Syndrome to complete the 94.7 Cycle Challenge! A determined athlete, she has worked hard to exercise her swimming talents both locally and internationally.

Even though competition-related financial obstacles cause immense stress for athletes across the spectrum, competitive opportunities for athletes with Down Syndrome pail in comparison to the chances that other athletes who aren’t differently abled have. When there is more representation and more support, the chances for more competitions starts to become less a matter of wishful thinking, and more one of possibility.

As many athletes and those who want to help them make their cometition dreams come true do, Zora’s parents Marc and Teresa Wegerif created a crowdfund campaign.

If you’ve ever made a crowdfunding campaign, you know that they can sit for months before gaining traction. Closing fundraising targets is its own kind of brilliant achievement.

That’s why Zora’s journey to the Trisome Games was an epic splash of good news! Created on 12 February, Zora’s campaign target was reached in record time— just under two weeks! Not only this, but the target was surpassed with the initial ask being R35,925 and the donations made to the tune of R37,988.04.

This means she will not only actually get to shine for SA at the Trisome Games (happening between 19-26 March), but she’ll do it knowing how many people already back her before she’s even dipped her toes into the Trisome’s pools.

Sources: BackaBuddy Impact Village 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post People Rally Together for Down Syndrome Athlete with a Dream appeared first on Good Things Guy.

From Soweto to the States, sprinter and speed prince Shaun Maswanganyi is taking the running world by storm! Recently, he set a brand new record, making South Africa proud on international tracks:

Texas, USA (01 March 2024) — Shaun Maswanganyi, the iconic 23-year-old sprinter, continues to solidify his title as a prince of speed after a hugely successful stretch in Texas.

An athlete who has held South Africa’s flag up to the stars at every level of competition, Shaun has just made South Africa proud again by setting a brand new record at a track competition that saw speed take centre stage at Texas Tech University.

From Soweto to the States, Shaun’s career as an athlete has grown from strength to strength. No stranger to making South Africa proud, last year, he earned silver in the 100m of the FISU World University Games in China. He has also competed in the Tokyo Olympics, and was ranked as fastest male athlete in SA after his 200m clock-in which dipped below 20-seconds last year. Better yet, these are just a few of his achievements; with others ranging from national records to being crowned the African U20 champion.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shaun Maswanganyi, OLY (@tshedzo.m)

In his recent record-rocking moment, the University of Houston sprinter set a men’s 200m record with 20.41 seconds on the clock. According to Houston Cougar Track and Field, this incredible display of speed means that Shaun has made an “all-time South African record’—the “fastest in South Africa’s 200m indoor short track history”!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shaun Maswanganyi, OLY (@tshedzo.m)

Although he might be a Houston local these days, Shaun’s determination to represent South Africa with pride is unwavering; beneath the red and white kit he wears is green and gold blood as he continues his career as a local and international legend in the making.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Shaun the Speed Sprinter Makes SA Proud in America with New Record! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A sold-out Baxter theatre signalled a year of exciting events for Opera UCT—including the opportunity to stage a world premiere, celebrating a student who was selected for an international scholarship, and brighter bursary opportunities!

Cape Town, South Africa (29 February 2024) – Opera UCT’s 2024 season launch presented a varied programme that signalled a year ahead full of good news, including world firsts, international collaborations, and student achievements.

To a packed Baxter theatre, South Africa’s oldest opera performing and training institution beautifully defended its reputation as a source for some of the most respected and successful operatic performers in the world today, and set the stage for what is to come!

Opera UCT’s director, pianist and conductor, Professor Jeremy Silver, led a line-up of performances that clearly demonstrated the breadth and depth of talent the school has on tap.

Professor Silver remarked:

“Our activities also provide Cape Town’s arts scene with world-class operatic performances of which we can all be proud, and I am delighted that Opera UCT’s international status has ensured that this year, we have been chosen as the production partner for some important and seminal works, which we look forward to sharing with audiences of all ages.”

A Symphony of Good News!

Performances To Make South Africa Proud

Opera UCT has been selected to stage the world premiere of an important and hitherto lost opera, Donizetti’s Dalinda, a production that will be led by Italian director William Costabile Cisco and costume design by Letiticia Parvoleta Ivanova set to take place in early September.

Silver says: “This is a great honour for Opera UCT and South Africa and is also an exceptional opportunity for our young singers, as the eyes of the arts world will be upon us when we stage this production in September, which is the cornerstone of our 2024 season.”

On the cards for later in the year as part of Opera UCT’s packed schedule, Silver teased the audience with hints of a fully staged production under the inspiring creative direction of a conductor and director from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, as to a new Distinguished Alumni Recital Series that will take place during the season ahead.

The 2024 diary also includes the third annual Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition and the FMR Bursary Award Classical Instrumental and Vocal Finals, a competition that celebrates the very best of classical, jazz, and African music thanks to the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation.

Exciting News for Students

In addition to the core academic programme that has ensured graduates are welcomed the world over, Opera UCT will host a series of masterclasses, competitions, and international residencies, which contribute to the school and production house’s international standing and success.

The K T Wong Foundation has also established a new bursary programme for 2024, which assists aspiring graduate artists as they establish their professional careers.  The first recipient of this generous bursary is Opera UCT tenor, Luvo Maranti, who was also a finalist in Plácido Domingo’s Operalia competition held in Cape Town in 2023.

Molly Dzangare’s Achievement

Also, and yet more exciting news, is the announcement that UCT student soprano Molly Dzangare, has been awarded an Eva Kleinitz Opera Europa Scholarship, having been selected from more than 500 global applicants.

Encore!

Three book launches and a further new addition to the line-up are also planned for 2024, and in April, following a packed March programme that includes several free concerts, Opera UCT will stage a large-scale performance complete with the UCT Symphony Orchestra of a concert entitled, ‘The Sound of Freedom’.

 Opera UCT’s staging of productions is not only an opportunity for audiences to lose themselves in the musical mastery of storytelling but also a mechanism to generate funds. These monies go towards ensuring students get valuable performance experience and help to bring international masters in opera and stage to South Africa to share their expertise with the school.

Donations and support can be channelled through the Opera Endowment Fund!

Sources: UCT Opera; Supplied 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post A Symphony of Good News for Opera UCT! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Swellendam’s Cyber Tigers have been super hard at work in attempts to raise funds for their chance to represent South Africa’s robotics skills on the global stage. And they have exciting news to share with South Africa!

Swellendam, South Africa (27 February 2024) — South Africa’s Cyber Tigers— the robotics team who won the recent First Lego League’s national robotics competition in Johannesburg—have more exciting news to share with the country.

After their big win where they beat out 46 competitor teams, the Cyber Tigers began focusing on a new kind of puzzle that needed solving: raising the funds to grab their golden ticket to the World Festival in Houston, Texas.

The chance of a lifetime for the high school students Jean Mouton, Luka Steenekamp, Lara Pretorious and Christelle Glatz, who call the rural of Swellendam home; this robotics team were ready to put in the work to make their dream come true.

They have sang, shared their robotics stories, sold burgers, worked with sponsors, sold merch and are holding a raffle. The result? They are 70% of the way to their fundraising goal!

Why does getting a local team to an international competition matter, you ask?

Well, beyond it being another opportunity for South Africa to succeed with the world as our audience, the Cyber Tigers journey could mean much more than a win.

South Africa’s presence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) still lags behind many other countries because of limited educational opportunities. While many schools are working hard to integrate courses related to coding and robotics—an ever-growing sector of the present and future—we need as much representation as possible in this field to inspire more young people to get into STEM, especially young women.

There are ample ways to support the Cyber Tigers through their last push. You can enter the raffle, make a donation or get in touch with the adults helping the students achieve their dreams on lovetouchgrow@gmail.com.

Sources: Website Submission

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post SA’s Cyber Tigers Robotics Team Are So Close to Their Dream! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South Africa’s brave ship SA Agulhas II is back from a lengthy adventure to uncover the secrets of Antarctica and Marion Island as well as vital information surrounding climate change. Back with her are the even braver team who were based in Antarctica for 15 months in commitment to the cause!

Cape Town, South Africa (21 February 2024) — The SA Agulhas II embarked on a brave adventure with scientists, conservationists and environmentalists ready to put in the hard work for research surrounding our planet’s secrets and climate change– the latter more imperative than ever before as the UN Decade ticks forward rapidly.

The research ship—described by the University of Cape Town as ‘vital for climate science’ and South Africa’s stake in polar science leadership— embarked on a dual-destination voyage to both Marion Island and Antarctica.

This is in an effort for scientists to discover as much as possible about these regions and what they can tell us about climate change concerns and solutions as areas largely untouched by humanity. Especially in the case of Antarctica (a region shrouded in icy mystery), the work that the ship is able to help scientists do is imperative and possible thanks to Agulhas II’s cutting-edge design.

For context, the ship (which is also Africa’s only polar research vessel) can navigate through unchartered ice up to 1 metre thick and also has labs on board, making it one of the world’s most modern! It has also played a big role in ocean conservation efforts.

But more impressive is the South African National Antarctic Expedition ( SANAE) 62 team, which has been based in Antarctica for the last 15 months for the cause. They departed in December 2022 to lead the charge in polar research for the betterment of the Earth and all its inhabitants.

Back home, at last, this mission relied on many hands. As the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment shares in a heartfelt statement:

“It’s not all about the ship. The land-based teams from SANSA, NWU, SA Weather Services and CTBTO have been equally busy conducting vital studies in Antarctica. From upgrading the SuperDARN radar to delving into Polar Space Weather Studies, their research is turning Antarctica into a giant outdoor laboratory that’s key to understanding our planet. 

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the heroes of the SA Agulhas II Antarctic expedition. Your courage and commitment in the face of extreme cold and isolation have led to significant strides in science. Your hard work and discoveries are invaluable in helping us all learn about our planet’s climate and its changes.” 

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post The SA Agulhas II and Heroes Are Back Home From Their Big Antarctic Adventure! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A designer from Limpopo, Judy Sanderson and her eponymous brand have won the Global Fashion Brand Prize; beating out a hundred hopefuls:

Global (20 February 2024) — South Africa’s Judy Sanderson and her eponymous brand have bagged a coveted prize in the fashion world—the Global Fashion Brand Prize!

As the winner of the 2024/2026 edition of the Maison Mode Méditerranée Endowment Fund’s grandest scholarship, Judy Sanderson will now be positioned to elevate her brand and the cultural underpinnings that act as its muse.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Fonds de Dotation MMM (@maisonmodemediterranee)

This was the first time that the Global Fashion Brand scholarship called for projects from Africa as a whole, and given the many African crafters and artisans who have inspired and helped bring Judy Sanderson to to the forefront of emerging fashion.

Hailing from Limpopo, Judy now resides in Portugal. Despite her well-traveled footing in the world, Judy’s female-centric brand is richly rooted in African energy. In fact, she shares her brand’s ethos is based on Ubuntu—”the oneness to humanity” she hopes to showcase in her garments. Further, the Judy Sanderson brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in zero plastic packaging, recyclable hangtags and clothing made by local artisans in Portugal and Zimbabwe with limited cut-off designs in mind to minimise waste.

Says the proud South African of the fantastic win:

“This achievement holds immense significance, as it reinforces the belief that limits are merely illusions created by those who choose to accept them. Let’s now embark on a journey of resetting our dreams and setting our sights even higher. With gratitude in my hearts, we march forward, determined to reach new heights. Onwards and upwards, always.” 

In more thanks, the Judy Sanderson brand adds:

“We extend our thanks to every artisan we work with. From the seasoned 80-year-old tailor to our talented crochet artisans in Aveiro and the skilled macrame weavers in Zimbabwe, among others. Your contributions have been invaluable. We are excited to share more about the incredible work done behind the scenes by these artisans, inviting you to join us on this journey.”

The prize sees the brand awarded 40 000 euros (over R820 000)!

Sources: Website Submission; Various (Linked Above)

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Limpopo Designer’s Brand Wins Global Fashion Prize! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Despite calling herself an ‘ordinary woman’, Leanne Maiden has done a most extraordinary thing. She has officially completed the World’s Toughest Row and become the first South African woman to do it!

Global (19 February 2024) — Leanne Maiden can cast any notions of her being an ‘ordinary woman’ out the porthole because she has successfully completed the World’s Toughest Row and become the first South African woman to finish the 3000 mile journey, ever!

An achievement that’s made history, Leanne took something of a midlife crisis spurred by lockdown and turned it into an incredible adventure where she sailed the waves of resilience, isolation, bravery, pressure and dreams across the Atlantic on her boat, Rieka.

Leanne boasted her South African flag on Saturday 17 February when she celebrated the end of the nearly 5000 kilometre odyssey she hoped would help charities in need, and inspire minds in need of inspiration.

The row took her 66 days and 5 hours from La Gomera to Antigua. On the water, December to February became a lifetime.

At times (especially when the canned peaches were running low) she was not sure if she could do it. There were salty tears and quiet moments of appreciation, like seeing a signal of land and being enveloped in the warmth of support from friends, family and strangers when the journey seemed cold (not least because Leanne ran out of hot water). The doubt of such a daunting task may have washed over Leanne from time to time, but she chose to row on anyway. And the real magic of her row lies in this sentiment.

To embark on an endurance challenge of this magnitude takes an extraordinary kind of willpower. To do something despite the doubt is what puts the extra to the ordinary. Above preparations, weather conditions and other side effects that come with living on your own on a boat for so long, nothing will make or break your experience quite like willpower—and in that, Leanne has taught anyone who has ever thought they were not special enough to do something, a life lesson worth a treasure chest.

Because maybe being extraordinary is a choice. Maybe deciding to do something crazy and ambitious and actually doing it, is possible for anyone, from anywhere. Leanne is a mother, a wife, a sister and a daughter with a South African heart and a Scottish home. She may not be someone who has done crazy, ambitious things all her life, but she still conquered one of the craziest most ambitious things of a lifetime. How inspiring is that?

A certified South African hero, Mzansi salutes you!

Sources: Leanne Maiden 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Leanne Maiden: The First South African Woman to Conquer the World’s Toughest Row appeared first on Good Things Guy.