Mokgopo inspires of and on his mountain bike
Mountain bike star William Mokgopo wants to inspire inexperienced youngsters to pursue their dreams.
Not many athletes can claim to bring positive change to people’s lives while they are in a constant battle to overcome their own setbacks.
The Tuks mountain biker, William Mokgopo, is one of the unique few who is able to do so. Therefore, it should be no surprise that he has been nominated in the prestigious Sports Personality of the Year category for the Gauteng Sports Awards.
Mokgopo, who is possibly one of the most inspiring athletes in Pretoria, will think back to 2018 as his annus horribilis year when it came to racing.
At first, things did not start out poorly. He managed to finish a World Cup cross country-race for the first time and completed his sixth Cape Epic. It seemed as if he was destined to have the perfect season, but then he got sick and never really recovered.
“Up to now, no one could establish what is wrong. Every time I start to train I get sick. It is really frustrating,” said the Tuks rider who represented South Africa at quite a few World Championships.
But just as it seemed as Mokgopo is complaining he changes the topic as the last thing he wants, is to be perceived as being a martyr.
“As athletes, we need to be honest with ourselves as to who we really are. We tend to be selfish when in our prime. Often it is just about what we want. Never taking the feeling or desires of the people around is into account. Only after an athlete has retired, they might think about giving something back,” he explained his viewpoint.
According to Mokgopo he does not want to be like that.
“One of my passions is helping to nurture upcoming young athletes. I grew up in Diepsloot. When you are from a township, it is literally like being in a box. What you see is what you get. When you are not exposed to the outside world, it can lead to not aspiring too much. Cycling showed me that there is more to life and forced me to adapt to a life outside of the township. And for that, I will be forever grateful,” he said.
It’s for this reason that he is constantly encouraging youngsters not to give up on their dreams.
“As far as I am is concerned a life without dreams is a life not worth living. Having a goal does not mean it has to be about being a champion in some sport. It can be in anything. I am equally as passionate about my studies,” explained the BSc Sports Science student.
The Sports Personality of the Year award winner is determined by public vote. The people of Pretoria can therefore vote for Mokgopo by sending the words “Sport 06” via SMS to 49497. Voting closes at 17:00 on 2 September.
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