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Coming home Thursday ... but will he be greeted by Malema?
Ryan Sandes, winner of the 2009 Jungle Marathon in Brazil, returns to South Africa tomorrow, arriving at Cape Town International Airport (domestic arrivals) at 11.40am.
The big question, however, is whether ANC Youth League president Julius Malema will be there to greet SA’s newest hero.
Malema wasn’t able to make the Springbok return from the Tri-Nations, but he did drag himself off to greet Caster Semenya in August.
Like Semenya, Sandes is a runner. And my theory is that because Malema obviously prefers athletes to rugby players, he’ll surely be there … NOT!!!!
Ryan Sandes in action
Ryan Sandes must surely rank as one of South Africa’s top active sportsmen at the moment, although few fans outside soccer, rugby and cricket probably know who he is.
He’s an ultra marathon adventure runner who’s currently competing along the Amazon in Brazil, where he is in the lead. By the way, do you know what Ryan has in common with former Bok fullback Percy Montgomery? They both went to the same school in Cape Town – SACS (although not at the same time).
Sandes has just completed day four of his jungle epic, and here’s his latest update (click here to follow him on his own blog):
“We started off today with a 200m swim across a river… faaak swimming with a pack is not so easy!!
“My heart-rate went through the roof from the swim and only 20min into the run did it get back to normal – respect to the ironmen.
“Today was quite a flat course and it was nice to be able to run at a constant pace the whole way. I ran most of the way with Mike Wolf of the North Face and we crossed the line together. It was a relief to get the stage out the way with no set backs and now for the long stage tomorrow – its going to be brutal!
“I am hoping to run the long stage with someone, maybe Mike as he has been ripping up the 50 and 100 milers in the States. It going to be a long slog but I will be taking it slow and steady and taking no chances… We start of the stage with another 250m swim and then 49km of jungle and 43km of trails!
“49 competitors have dropped out of the race so far mainly to heat issues… so the rumble in the jungle has been hectic.
“My feet do not have any blisters (must be my shoes – Salomon S Labs!) except for a bust toe nail from kicking a few roots.
“My ankles have had a break the last two days and my legs feel good so I am ampt for one last big push tomorrow!
“Thanks to everyone for the messages – they are a huge boost!
“C, I hope you are recovering well! I was super stoked to hear you out of hospital early and celebrated yesterday on stage 3!!
“Over and out, Ryan”
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