Q&A with our Rio Olympics Athletes
This is the first time Boxer has two Boxer Athletics Club representatives at the Olympic Games – meet Lebo Phalula (LP) and Elroy Gelant (EG) who took time out of their busy schedules to answer a few questions before setting off for the Rio Olympics:
Question – The Olympics are a pinnacle moment for any athlete, how do you feel about going to RIO?
LP – I’m so excited to be part of the Olympics team – it is every athletes dream and I am very proud to be the first black women to represent South Africa in the Olympics marathon team.
EG – It is a dream come true. I think it is every athletes dream to represent their Country at the Olympic Games. I’m so excited and honoured to be part of Team South Africa.
Question – What are some of the things you’ve had to sacrifice in your life to get where u are?
LP – The sacrifice I made was to move away from home and move to Pretoria in pursuit of a group to train with on an ongoing basis. I am currently training with Hendrick Ramala.
EG – For me to have come this far I had to make a lot off sacrifices to reach my ultimate goals in life. I had to sacrifice a lot of family commitments, restaurant eating, social gatherings and very much cut back on many outings with friend and sadly this resulted in friends becoming fewer. Two years back I resigned from my job to focus mainly on my running. Without a decent livable income, it isn’t easy but if I look back it has all been worth the sacrifice.
Question – Who is your coach?
LP – I used to be coached by Michael Seme when I was in Pretoria, but I moved to Hendrick Ramala, who has been helping me with a training program for the marathon.
Question – Who are your Sponsors?
LP – I am sponsored by BOXER, who pays me a monthly retainer. I am also sponsored by Puma and TomTom SA.
EG – Firstly I would like to thank the Directors of Boxer Superstores for the wonderful support I’ve received over the past 2 years. Without their support, it wasn’t going to be easy to get to where I am today. Secondly my TomTom watch sponsor as well as Nike South Africa, plays a great role in the necessary support which enables me to train with the best equipment to achieve world class performances. I am forever grateful for all the support from my sponsors. Every sponsor adds its own individual support.
Question – Tell us about your club, Boxer Athletics Club?
LP – I’m very proud to say I run for Boxer Athletics Club. The Club takes good care of their athletes and management doesn’t pressurize us as athletes. In the end, all they ask for is commitment, honesty, hard work and results – and that’s what we, as team members strive to do.
EG – The reason I joined Boxer Athletics Club two years ago was firstly because of the great established running atmosphere. Secondly it is a well-managed athletics club. There is a friendly supportive vibe about Boxer which is different. Lastly the Club strives on values with regards to inspirations and recognition of hard work. My Boxer Athletics Club manager, Mr Rhyn Swanepoel is very supportive and caring. We’ve established a father-child atmosphere in our Boxer Athletics Club family and our success these past years can be concluded to that.
Question – What Advice do you have for young aspiring athletes?
LP – Discipline and respect towards your fellow athletes, sponsors and club management counts a lot in your career. Also stay humble and follow your dreams.
EG – God gave each and every one of us a talent, use your gift from God to your highest potential. Try and make Him proud. Don’t waste opportunities, stay disciplined and always cultivate a learning mind-set in life.
Question – Describe yourself in one word
LP – Honest
EG – Persevere
Wishing both athletes all the best and remember, just being selected is an achievement in itself! We will keep you updated with their results as they happen!