YOUNG AND GUNNING FOR SUCCESS
SIMELANE SAYS SOMETIMES IT ALSO TAKES SHEER AUDACITY TO THROW INHIBITIONS OVERBOARD, BE BRAVE, AND TAKE THAT CALCULATED RISK.
Lwandile Simelane - youngest 1st Vice President of the highest body of Sport in South Africa, SASCOC.
Quick questions
1. Where did your passion for sport originate? Who or what inspired you? At school! I played many sports like cricket, football, and hockey in primary and high school and have never looked back. Pat Deacon, a teacher at Bryanston High, then reinforced my love for hockey and sport in general. 2. Who inspired you to go far and play such a substantial role in your field? What made you believe it was possible? Being actively involved in youth leadership structures made me think I could and exposed me to what existed out there. People like Gary Dolley, who introduced me to hockey leadership through the youth structures when I was 18 years old, were instrumental in my role in sport today by teaching and believing in me while I was young. He guided me and kept me focused on what was important. 3. What have been the most outstanding achievements in your career? Having been a youth panel secretary at the Federation of International Hockey, been named as one of the top 200 young people in South Africa in the sports category and the youngest 1st Vice President of the highest body of Sport in South Africa, SASCOC. 4. Biggest lesson learned: Trust yourself and your gut and always have your own back. If you have little luck finding that in others, you’ll know how to hold yourself up and keep going. 5. Most significant setback: The loss of her father at the age of two. 6. Advice for younger people: “Do not make yourself small. Go for what you want because the worst that can happen is failing, but it is harrowing to regret not trying.”
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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
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