We can all strive for greatness no matter our lane

Winning is not about your starting point.

None of us have a perfectly planned out journey through life.

Many of us start out with some form of challenge or disadvantage when progressing towards our goal.

What is important to realise is that no matter the starting point, many of us are able to succeed nonetheless.

That is the attitude which inspires me to strive for greatness.

As someone who is fortunate enough to represent their country as a sprinter, I am constantly humbled by the opportunities I have been given to inspire positive changes in the lives of my fellow South Africans.

My success at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where I was able to win a gold medal for SA and break a world record in the 400m, opened so many doors for me.

But most importantly, the result showed that an ordinary South African can achieve success at the highest level.

We are world class.

Despite the challenges that many of us face, we have the strength of character to overcome them, and the dedication to make the most of our talent, skill and abilities.

If I was able to make it out of a challenging start (bullying, lack of self-confidence, modest beginnings) and still be able to perform on the world stage, then each one of us has the potential to also achieve excellence despite our setbacks.

Only recently, I was able to resume my competitive schedule at a race in Switzerland, where I was able to secure a win.

This moment played an important part of my recovery, dedication and mental commitment to push forward.

I was really encouraged by my performance, as it not only sets an example  for preparations towards the 2021 Tokyo Olympics but it also gives me some confidence and reassurance after my injury and other setbacks over the past few years.

I am conscious of the great love that I have been shown by South Africans from all walks of life during my rehab and throughout my career.

This incredible support encourages me to perform at my best — just as much as I may inspire others with my running.

I also feel a certain responsibility to perform for the people of my country.

It is an honour to be in my position, and I do not take it lightly.

My role as a national ambassador comes with a responsibility to do my best, to dedicate myself to my sport and to be a role model for my fellow fans.

This is what has kept me motivated through the past few months.

However, I also believe that as much as we have to be strong and be a fitting example for those around us, we also have a responsibility to ourselves.

The talents we are born with hold so much potential, and it is one of our tasks as human beings to make the most of our abilities — for ourselves, and also for those around us.

Yes, the odds will often be stacked against us — an opportunity lost; a disappointment when you have worked so hard to get to a certain point; discouragement; constant challenge; or even a global pandemic.

No matter what our circumstances, there will always be people around us who offer hope, encouragement and positive inspiration.

These are the ones who set the highest standards for themselves and for others.

They are steadfast in what they want to achieve and they are brave enough to push boundaries.

These people are the ones who see the world differently, always looking for the optimistic view to life.

But when we all aim for the highest achievement, and we do it together, we build up a kind of momentum that becomes irresistible.

We need each other’s support, and when we have it, we succeed together.

I believe all of my successes — including my Olympic gold medal victory from Lane 8 in Rio — were achieved as part of a collective, thanks to the people in my life.

I was able to succeed thanks to the support of my family, my team and my country — all of whom wanted only the very best outcome.

In the same way, I want only the best for my fellow South Africans.

This is why I have aligned myself with a social media campaign such as #Lane8, which aims to inspire South Africans to strive for greatness and to overcome doubt and hardship no matter their challenge or starting point in life.

Many of us start our race of life from the outside lane, with some sort of disadvantage.

However, that doesn’t disqualify us from competing successfully.

We can still forge ahead and win.

As I prepare for the Tokyo Olympics rescheduled for next year, I am inspired by the millions of South Africans who overcome disadvantages every day, and succeed through self-belief, dedication and by supporting each other.

You inspire me to be great, and I hope that I can do the same for you. Let’s succeed together.

• Wayde van Niekerk is acknowledged as one of the most inspirational South Africans of his generation and a home-grown world champion. He was the first athlete to run the 100m in less than 10 seconds, the 200m in under 20 seconds and 400m in under 44 seconds. His historic win in the 400m final at the 2016 Olympic Games not only broke a world record that had stood for 17 years, but it also marked the first time that an athlete had won an Olympic race, starting from the eighth lane. Wayde is a local brand ambassador for Audi and the face behind the #Lane8 campaign.