Social media has helped connect a South African man being hailed as a hero, with a British runner, who he inspired with his random act of kindness.
A UK runner posted a picture, in search of a South African man, who had become his hero after his random (anonymous) act of kindness. He took to a Facebook group called “The IronMan Journey” to try find the “true gent” to thank him.
Geraint Evans had been searching for the “anonymous” man since last year’s Iron Man in Weymouth.
“OK compose yourself man!!! For the benefit of others reading this, I did Iron Man Weymouth 70,3 last year and ended up with a time of 8:52 and a DNF (Did Not Finish), but what I took mentally from that weekend was immense and if I could turn back the clock I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m not your typical triathlete body shape, built more for darts really, so the event, for me was a hard day at the office.
Iron Man allowed me to complete the course and the feeling was indescribable, in all the confusion I somehow ended up with a Finisher’s medal around my neck. None of us knew where it came from and it was only recently when looking back through some photos and delicate zoom button that I found the above image.”
Geraint had discovered that the medal had been put on his neck by the man in the above picture… luckily that man is Devilliers Van Den Brink, a South African who competed in the 2017 Iron Man and was also a member of “The IronMan Journey” Facebook group.
Geraint replied to the above with admiration and a promise to return the favour to Devilliers for his beautiful act of kindness.
“This man, Devilliers Van Den Brink, who had long finished his race put his own medal around my neck and left silently without a fuss!!! How someone can be so generous and humble towards a complete stranger is beyond me.
I have entered again this year and when I get my own “Finisher’s Medal” I will return the one I’ve got to it’s rightful owner Devilliers it is an honour to know you.”
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