Accident claims biker’s life
Reknown Olympic cyclist, Garen Bloch, died in an accident on Saturday, 21 July while riding his motorcycle.
POLOKWANE – From Polokwane, Bloch became an Olympic cyclist and was ranked number three in the world in 2004 thanks to the strength of his own willpower, self-discipline and dedication.
Bloch was a councillor at Meteffect Recovery Centre just outside the city and will be remembered as a person who loved to help others.
Read more: [WATCH] Accident leaves biker dead on Veldspaat Steet
He had his own 12-year struggle with drugs and alcohol and used this to help people face their own demons and make a breakthrough at the centre.
Bloch competed in the 1 000 m time trial in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia where he claimed eighth place. By this time he had already won 21 South African championships, set 12 African records, and won four World Cup medals. Six weeks after the Olympics, he finished fifth in the World Championships that took place in Manchester, England.
Bloch’s life partner, Michele Dix-Peek, despite being very emotional said she is still trying to come to terms with his passing because it was so unexpected.
“He was a helpful and generous person, willing to share his wisdom with others and stand up for what is right.”
Bloch will also be remembered by people in the martial arts world where he met up with and worked alongside people like Henri Eksteen. His true passion was martial arts, which he had been doing on and off for 30 years.
He planned to open a martial arts studio soon and already began working on it.
Bloch was a taekwondo instructor but was also experienced in judo, kickboxing, muay thai, kung fu, amok, jiu jitsu and boxing.
“I remember him as a man who had an incredible story and could let the hair on the back of your neck stand up with all he overcame in his life.
The best thing about him is he did not keep his experiences to himself, he rather used it to help people, especially the youth, get on track and save their own lives from drugs and alcohol abuse. I will miss him a lot,” Eksteen told BONUS.
It was during his stay at Meteffect Recovery Centre where he met Michele, the person he described as saving his life by giving him a hug and who believed in him when no one else did.
According to the medical personnel on the scene, Bloch sustained several injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police Spokesperson, Capt Mamphasha Seabi, told BONUS a case of culpable homicide is being investigated. Bloch’s memorial service will be today (Wednesday, 25 July) at 18:30 for 19:00 at Meteffect Recovery Centre at 60A Doornkraal Dendron (Mogwadi) Road. His funeral will be held in Israel.
