![\"DSCN2109_01\"](\"http:\/\/stanandrews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/DSCN2109_01-e1468745614277-830x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLast week\u00a0the South African Olympic team was confirmed so I thought it’s about time for my next blog.<\/p>\n
As those close to me already know, I unfortunately will not be travelling to and competing in the Rio Paralympics. It is sad and it does upset me when you consider all the hard work and effort I have put into this journey.\u00a0Unfortunately Sascoc would not allow us to apply for a bipartite invitation which makes no sense if you ask me. If I wasn’t chosen via the invitation process, I could accept that. But to not even apply for one? What the hell?<\/p>\n
Anyway, I could carry on for the next week about why Sascoc should change the whole thing but let’s face it – it ain’t going to change.\u00a0So for now we rather focus on what I have achieved so far.<\/p>\n
Let me put this into perspective for those who don’t know the story.
\n4 years ago I was just touching on 100Kgs, smoker, drinker just enjoying where I was in life. I decided I needed to change. After setting a few goals and achieving them I was directed into triathlon.
\nMy very first triathlon was the 5150 African champs held in Germiston on 3 November 2013.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Some numbers for the event:
\n1500mtr swim – 54min
\nTransition 1 – 7min
\n40km cycle – 1hr41
\nTransition 2 – 3min
\n10km run – 1hr
\nTotal – 3hr42<\/p>\n
![\"StanMotivatoin1\"](\"http:\/\/stanandrews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/StanMotivatoin1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
So what I have done is in less than 3 total years, I have improved my times by a ridiculous percentage, I have won the African Continental Championships twice (2015 & 2016) and I have represented RSA in many international triathlons as an Elite Para-triathlete. #hardworkpaysoff<\/p>\n
The fact of the matter is that we took a four year journey and crammed it into a nine month time frame and came within inches of making it to Rio. That deserves a pat on the back.<\/p>\n
Where to from here? Well I have just made the Elite start list for the Para-triathlon World champs to be held in Rotterdam next weekend (24th July). This will be the start of the next journey which will hopefully see me qualify for the Commonwealth Games in 2018. From there I will continue to work as hard as I can to make the Japan 2020 Paralympics.<\/p>\n
As always, thank you to my Wife Melissa and my two beautiful daughters for standing by me through this intense year. Thank you to Adrian Goate and Warren McCann for believing in me and seeing the bigger picture. Thank you to the “Bosbruin bunch” who get up at 3h30 a.m on a Tuesday and Thursday to train with me on simulated duathlon and brick workouts. And last but by no means least, my sponsors- Triathlon SA, Boll\u00e9, Ossur SA, Suunto, Platynum,\u00a0Adventure Life,\u00a0Aqua Athlete Swimming,\u00a0Powerblast Training and Biogen.<\/p>\n
And to all family and friends that often see me and offer words of encouragement and support – Thank you, I live to inspire<\/p>\n
![\"photo_2016-03-22,_7_45_17_pm__medium\"](\"http:\/\/stanandrews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/photo_2016-03-22_7_45_17_pm__medium.jpg\")
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