I’ve had the privilege of growing up with a father who was not just an Olympic athlete, but a true symbol of courage and perseverance. Malcolm Spence, my father, competed in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal in the 400 meters — an achievement that marked him as one of the world’s top athletes. But beyond his athletic prowess, he was known as one of South Africa’s bravest athletes, pushing past physical and mental limits to achieve greatness.

As I reflect on his legacy, I realize the incredible lessons I’ve learned from him — lessons that go far beyond sports:

Resilience: There were countless moments when he faced setbacks, whether in training or on the track. But each time, he rose stronger and more determined.

Courage: It takes bravery to compete at the highest level, especially in the face of adversity. My father’s courage wasn’t just in his race times, but in every decision, every challenge, and every step towards his goal.
Commitment to Excellence: He showed me that true success is a result of relentless dedication, not just raw talent.
As we move forward in our own careers, let’s remember the value of learning from those who have walked the path before us — especially those who have shown us what it means to push boundaries and achieve greatness.

Here’s to carrying the torch of resilience, courage, and excellence in everything we do.