The first episode of Laureus South Africa’s latest unique offering, the Power of Sport podcast, hosted by Jean Smyth, features some of the world’s biggest sporting names was they all congregated at the annual Laureus World Sports Awards, held in Monaco on 14 February.
In this high-octane recap of the event; surf-therapy project Waves for Change were the big winners from a South African perspective as they received the ‘Sport for Good’ award from Princess Charlene of Monaco. Founder Tim Conibear and Guyver Ngeyake were on hand to receive the award to thunderous acclaim.
Olympic star Wayde van Niekerk narrowly missed out in the Breakthrough of the Year category as he was beaten by Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg who grew up overlooking the famous street track. Not all were surprised by that decision although the track great Usain Bolt, and Sportsman of the Year, said that he certainly was. You can hear exactly what they had to say in this episode.
Also featured are the USA track star Michael Johnson, Academy chairman and former All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick, former F1 driver David Coulthard and golfing legend Gary Player; who shared his unique view on what sort of legacy, if any, he plans to leave behind one day.
Finally, we catch up with ambassador and former Olympic swimming champion, Ryk Neethling in the airport in Dubai on the long trip back to Cape Town, where he shares his special experience of the Principality with the Princess and her twins.
Neethling also becomes the 1st ambassador in our ‘Blitz’ feature – seven rapid-fire 50/50 questions which leaves little time to think; who did he back when asked: ‘In any sport – do you support England or Australia’?
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