This a story of resilience, believing in your dreams and putting in the hard work. And that’s what 25-year-old cyclist, Nicholas Dlamini from Capricorn near Muizenberg has shown after being selected to participate in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
“We didn’t have a car growing up, so as a small boy I was very curious and wanted to experience more, and cycling provided that opportunity for me,” Dlamini said.
His dream to become a professional cyclist began taking shape at the age of 14, after the Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy in Khayelitsha presented him with the opportunity to race competitively, IOL reports.
Since then, Dlamini has been a force to be reckoned with, even after suffering a broken arm when he was assaulted by rangers at the Table Mountain National Park in 2019, according to Sowetan Live.
This setback did not stop Dlamini from beating all odds, describing himself as someone who has a “strong mindset”, working “consistently” at any task he is given.
This ‘don’t-stop’ attitude was echoed by Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy’s general and team manager, Sipho Mona-Lekona, who had this to say about Dlamini: “Nicholas was a boy with drive and determination you don’t often come across and we decided quite early on to focus on his talent and to groom him.”
According to IOL, Suzanne Ackerman-Berman, director of transformation at Pick n Pay said: “We are exceedingly proud of Nicholas on his achievement and wish him everything of the best in Tokyo. We will be following his Olympics journey very closely.
“His is a story of hope and evidence that dreams can come true with determination and hard work. I am equally proud of the team at Velokhaya who are providing opportunities so many more to realise their dreams,” she added.
Dlamini will represent South Africa in the Men’s 234km Road Race.
Picture: EWN