Ponte Challenge is no challenge for local
The Brakpan Central resident won the challenge without even thinking about it.
Christo Pieterse (35) from Brakpan Central emerged as the winner in the Ponte Challenge, hosted by Dlala Nje, at the famous Johannesburg building on March 3.
Christo conquered the 948 stairs to the top of the building in 7.5 minutes. He initially went with a friend, as a fun weekend activity because he likes to participate in challenges and events and to remain active.
“For me, it was just about the fun, I wasn’t even trying to win, but then I did and there were cameras and it turned into a big deal,” he said.
Christo frequently takes part in events, including the parkrun and several social events in and around Johannesburg.
He adds there is so much to do in Joburg, and he can’t understand why people only go to museums and concerts when they’re on holiday when Johannesburg already has so much to offer.
Dlala Nje has a variety of activities in the area, including tours of historic parts of the city, and the Ponte Challenge which it hosts quarterly.
In addition, there are many theatres, museums and places to explore in the city that Christo doesn’t feel gets enough love.
“In my 20s I was very unhealthy. Work stress, along with not knowing how to cope with the pressures of life led to some unhealthy habits.
“I couldn’t focus, I was always tired, and my self-confidence and self-image were degrading,” he explained.
“When I noticed what was happening, I decided to do something about it. I started exercising, doing parkruns, trail runs, visiting and exploring Joburg and living a healthier lifestyle, and I felt so much better.”
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Christo mostly wants to encourage people to get out and do things, get to know the area and the people, and live an active, fun-filled life.
“I would like to encourage people to make a positive change in their lives,” he said.
For Christo, all the events and challenges he attends are more about the people he shares them with than the actual outcome of the challenge or event.
He prefers challenges that aren’t as competitive, where participants are just there to have fun, like the Ponte Challenge.
The next Ponte Challenge will take place on June 2, and Christo encourages others to take part.
