Myan Subrayan’s new book, Raising Champions, features the inspiring stories of Olympic gold medallist Chad le Clos, Bafana Bafana legend Shaun Bartlett, and Rugby World Cup winner CJ van der Linde, offering a “blueprint” for South Africans to overcome challenges.

Now based in Australia, the Durban-born author, speaker, and life coach chronicles the challenges and triumphs of these sporting icons to inspire readers to overcome their own adversities. He was in the country this week to dedicate the book, ahead of its availability in bookstores across South Africa.

Subrayan, while acknowledging the struggles currently facing South Africa, including rampant youth unemployment, high school dropout rates, and increasing gang violence and crime, wanted readers to know the importance of confronting problems.

His intention was to show that even in a country plagued by crises, it was possible to be people of purpose, faith, and integrity.

“But it takes intentional parenting, mentorship, and vision. This book is packed with lessons not just to motivate but to equip with real stories, real values, and real strategies that South African families can begin using today,” he said.

Subrayan described the book as a blueprint for hope in a nation that is longing for it.

“I have not ‘sugar-coated’ the challenges Shaun, CJ, and Chad had to overcome because I wanted readers to see that even in the mess, you can choose a different path to the status quo to succeed,” he said.

Le Clos, who has been swimming competitively for more than a decade, said the book focused on how he was raised by his parents and what shaped him into the athlete and man he is today.

He said becoming a champion required much more than talent or hard work in the pool – it demanded discipline, perseverance, and, most importantly, a strong foundation of values to keep him grounded.

“My journey to Olympic gold was never mine alone; it was a shared effort, built on the sacrifices of my parents. There is no secret to success; it takes hard work and determination,” he said.

Le Clos’ pursuit of excellence was built on integrity, respect, discipline, and resilience instilled by his parents.

These qualities have made him a champion in sport and life, he said.

“Every structure is only as strong as its foundation, and for me, it’s the same. Because of what my parents instilled in me, I have been able to excel at the highest level,” he said.

A lesson Le Clos valued most, taught by his father, was that success requires taking responsibility for mistakes and avoiding excuses or blame.

Le Clos added that his story was a wake-up call. “Let’s teach our children that feelings are not weakness. That seeking help and undergoing therapy is not a failure. That success is not just about medals; it’s about knowing who you are and loving yourself enough to take care of your well-being.”

He admitted that he faced adversity along the road to achieving his dreams, but instead of destroying him, those hurdles shaped, strengthened, and taught him.

His father, Bert le Clos, said champions were made through hard work, discipline, and character.

“When people look at my son, Chad, and all that he has achieved – Olympic gold, world records, standing on podiums – they see the success. But what they don’t always see is what it took to get there.”

The book reveals the true path to raising a champion, not just in sports but in all aspects of life, he said.

“This is not just a book for athletes. This is a book for anyone who wants to achieve greatness in life… because the principles that make a champion in sport are the same ones that build success in all areas of life.”

Subrayan said Raising Champions was his personal contribution to the future of South Africa, adding that as a life coach, he has witnessed how the right words at the right time can change a life.

However, he was aware that not everyone has access to that kind of support.

“With Shaun, Bert, CJ, and Chad’s contributions, I have written this book so that every parent, teacher, coach, and even business leader can have a tool to inspire, equip, and guide those in their care,” said Subrayan.

The book was a call to rebuild the nation, one person at a time, he said.

“Raising Champions is my way of saying that we can still raise a generation of purpose. We can still shape lives built on values that last. We can still change the story – one child, one home, one heart at a time.

“This is my offering to a nation I love and that has given me so much. May it bring hope, healing, and the courage to raise champions in all aspects of life and not just sports,” said Subrayan.

The book’s dedication was held on Friday, September 26, in Pretoria and will be followed by a launch at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, on October 8. Raising Champions will be available in stores from Wednesday, October 1.

karen.singh@inl.co.za

Source link