RYK NEETHLING - Chasing the Dream

The story of Ryk Neethling is much more than the story of a triumphant sportsman. It is the story of a fiercely determined swimmer from Bloemfontein who overcame great odds – a near-drowning, social awkwardness and family tragedy – to become an Olympic champion. In this autobiography, Ryk tells of his travels to the US to pursue his Olympic dream; the experience of winning gold in Athens in 2004; the murky world of steroids in sport; his ongoing battle with the sport’s administrators; his struggles with his Afrikaner identity; and his rejection of a multimillion-dollar offer to swim for another country. The title will take the story up to the end of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, in which Ryk will become the only South African to compete in four successive Olympic Games.

MAN OF THE YEAR

I can clearly remember it as it was yesterday when i met Ryk Neethling...
November 2004, a couple of days after he won the ultimate prize - Gold and a World Record performance in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
Through the years i have seen Ryk breaking a couple of world records, develop as a person, signing up incredible sponsorship and endorsement deals, face and deal with person traumas - especially when it comes to his sister's illness and live a very disciplined life.
I have never met a person that has shown so much dedication to something he loves and believe in.
I have personally learned amazing life lessons from one of SA's (if not the world's)most sexiest men.
Ryk has taught me that i should never settle for less than anything i deserve. He has shown me how i deserve to be treated as a woman.
Ryk has also taught me that with discipline, hard work and outstanding dedication, you can make any dream of yours come true.
The past year especially i think this amazing man has shown dedication, strong will and the fact that faith produces unbelievable results.
Now, with him standing at another cross point of his life, i would like to salute you my friend and wish you only the best and know that you will make a success of yet another faze of your life!