Episode #22: Paralympic Gold Medalist Samkelo Radebe talking disability, inspiration and being emotionally intelligent

Samkelo Radebe had both his hands amputated as a young child when a game with his brother and friends went  badly wrong and 11 000v of electricity surged through his body.  But even then, his optimistic and pragmatic nature helped him through the 9 month hospital recovery and eventually took him to the top of the sporting world.

First representing South Africa at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games where he won silver in the 100m, Sam went on to win gold at the World Championships the following year in the 4 x 100m relay, and became Paralympic Champion at the London 2012 Games  in the 4 x 100m relay. He is also a multiple South African record holder in the sprint and jump events. 

In this episode Sam gives a unique and honest perspective on why his disability shouldn't automatically make him inspiring, and talks us through the reality that even being a Paralympic gold medallist doesn't mean you will actually earn any money as an athlete. 

There are so many pieces of wisdom in this episode that I think we can all learn from and become better, more aware athletes and people.