Episode 38 - Blanche Moila, Running Icon - a podcast by Mass Participation World

Today's edition of The Aid Station is, for me, one of the most inspiring  so far as we travel to Durban, South Africa, to meet running icon,  Blanche Moila, the first black woman to represent the country in  athletics.



In addition to her  amazing running achievements, Blanche's personal story is inspiring on  so many levels not least of all her current daily challenges as a  psychiatric nurse. "COVID-19 is having a massive impact on mental  health. We are admitting patients with no idea if they are infected at  the time so obviously must take all precautions".



Blanche's  humility shines through despite all of her achievements which include  being awarded the State President's award from Nelson Mandela and Thabo  Mbeki. She is credited with inspiring Mandela and other prisoners who  used to watch her run on TV from Robben Island.



More than once I  have heard here referred to as "like Mother Theresa" for work she does  in the community which includes her Achieve Before you Conceive  Foundation aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies.



Tenacity and  mental strength is clearly the mark of any successful runner. Blanche  recently accumulated 25km in one session running 50m laps in the parking  lot of the complex where she lives.



Be inspired by watching here https://youtu.be/jQ0bBsT3e9Q

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