A collection of stories, documenting the origins of non-racial athletics was penned by author Clement du Plessis.
The book Other Side of the Track was launched at Beautiful Living in Fish Hoek on Thursday 3 March.
Former journalist and lecturer Du Plessis says the book celebrates many achievements of athletes during South Africa’s period of apartheid and sports isolation.
“This book is the culmination of a unique project, which was started in June 2015. The aim is to give recognition to the many athletes who competed during apartheid, and those who made the transition to democracy at the top of their game, but were denied the opportunity to compete on the international sports stage.
“It also recognises the sports administrators, journalists, photographers, schools, teachers, parents and communities, who all worked tirelessly to support and promote the athletes with limited resources.”
Du Plessis, who is also a former high school teacher, said very little has been written or documented about this part of South Africa’s history.
“The book and website, therefore, serve as a historic record or archive of athletics during the apartheid years – a valuable resource which will ensure our talented athletes are not forgotten by future generations.”
Stories shared in the book include that of Leslie Titus from South Peninsula High School, Freddie Williams from Heathfield High, Shaun Vester from Grasdale High and Odessa Krause, the mother of Wayde van Niekerk, South African’s 800 metres sensation.
“No one has documented this segment of our sports history, narrating a collection of stories about non-racial athletics. The book also traces the origins of non-racial athletics as far back as 1898 in a chapter called A brief history,” said Du Plessis.
“The book strikes at the heart of apartheid sport, organised in racial silos black, white, and coloured.
“Some of the former athletes were at the coalface of apartheid sport in an oppressive environment.”
