MAM - Conditioning Lab

09/02/2026

We are sharing a long-format conversation with Wian Roux, an Olympic archer who represented South Africa in Paris.

This isn’t an interview about medals or highlight moments.
It’s about decision-making, pressure, doubt, and how you know when something is truly your path.

Wian speaks with rare honesty about choosing archery over other sports, managing anxiety at the highest level, and the realities behind chasing an Olympic dream — especially in a smaller sport.

If you’re interested in mindset, growth, or how people navigate high-pressure moments in life, this conversation might resonate.
🎥 Full interview here:

How do you know when a sport is your sport?In this episode of Athlete Support, Olympic archer Wian Roux shares his journey from growing up around archery to ...

07/02/2026

At the end of last year a suffered a bit of a burnout and let an important thing slip...

I never actually shared this here, so I am sharing it now.

At the end of last year I had the privilege of sitting down with Vincent Leygonie — and this conversation stayed with me longer than most.

This long-form conversation with Vincent Leygonie goes beyond results and highlights what truly underpins high-level sport: presence under pressure, emotional regulation, and the ability to stay grounded when things go wrong.

Vincent shares insights that are valuable not only for athletes, but for coaches and practitioners who work in high-performance environments.

This interview sets the tone for the stories that follow.

🎥 Full interview here:

Vincent Leygonie is a BMX Freestyle rider, Olympian, and the first African athlete to compete at the Olympic level in his discipline.In this in-depth convers...

22/11/2025

I had the privilege of sitting down with Jesse Ndjeka — one of the best Épée fencers at Cleveland State University, a Psychology student, and a South African athlete rising through the higher echelons of the sport.

Jesse’s journey is an incredible example of what happens when an athlete undergoes Aggressive Change — physically, mentally, culturally, and academically.

Since moving to the USA in 2021, Jesse has been pushed into environments that demanded growth, adaptation, and resilience. He speaks openly about the cultural transition, the mental battles of high-performance fencing, and the support he found within the Cleveland State University team.

Jesse also trains alongside Olympic Champion Park Sang-young, and he opens the window into priceless insight into what CSU’s coaching system teaches young fencers aiming for the world stage.

We talk about the interplay of Psychology and Fencing, learning to manage the body, understanding mindset, and balancing elite sport with the future career he's preparing for.

Jesse’s goal?
A Top 16 world ranking… and LA 2028.
This young man is on a powerful path.

► The full interview is now on YouTube.
If you appreciate honesty, mindset, and real athletic growth, you’ll find value in this conversation.

In this powerful interview, we sit down with Jesse...

08/11/2025

I am so proud to work with Alex as both his Biomechanics Specialist and his Strength & Conditioning Coach!

His growth over the course of the year - both mentally and physically - has been incredible to observe.

Alex's mindset shift, when met with the positive adversity, is very powerful and inspiring!

What part of his journey inspired you the most? 👇

In this inspiring follow-up interview, Harvard Team Fencer Alexander Tafur opens up about life on one of the most prestigious collegiate fencing teams in the...

26/08/2025

Sleep Deprived — and Facing the World's Best

What’s it really like inside the Olympic Village?

South Africa’s own Harry Saner takes us behind the curtain of Paris 2024 — from sleepless nights, to the pressure of competing against the world’s top fencers, to what it takes to perform on the biggest stage of all.

🎥 Don’t miss this raw and inspiring conversation

In this exclusive second interview, Paris 2024 Olympian Harry Saner takes us inside the real Olympic experience — from his arrival in France to the unforgett...

25/08/2025

Sleep Deprived — and Facing the World's Best

What’s it really like inside the Olympic Village?
South Africa’s own Harry Saner takes us behind the curtain of Paris 2024 — from sleepless nights, to the pressure of competing against the world’s top fencers, to what it takes to perform on the biggest stage of all.

🎥 Don’t miss this raw and inspiring conversation 👉

12/04/2025

From Olympian to Global Game-Changer | From Limpopo to Boston | Coach Sello Maduma's Fencing Revolution

What happens when an Olympian decides to give back? You get a powerhouse like Coach Sello Maduma—South African Fencer, 2008 Olympian, and now a world-renowned coach who's shaking up the sport of Fencing!

In 2019, Coach Sello started something amazing at the University of Limpopo with just 4 fencers. Fast forward to today? He’s built a thriving programme with 120+ athletes, 6 National Team members, and a growing legacy that is nothing short of inspiring!

🏆 2020 was a flex year:

Top Coach Award? Check.

Limpopo Fencing: Top Administrator Award? Boom.

Best Male & Female Participants? You bet.

And that was just the beginning…

Coach Sello took things to the Global stage when he presented his visionary project at the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he received top coaching accolades among elite coaches from 23 countries. His model—designed to work in perpetuity and outlive its creator—set a new benchmark in sustainable sports development.

Oh, and he’s not just making waves in South Africa. He’s coached in Bangladesh, Senegal, and now America. In 2022 he has landed a prestigious coaching position in Boston, USA. Legends don’t sit still—they expand their reach!

✨ From humble beginnings to Olympic heights, from local kids to international champions—Coach Sello’s story is pure fire.

Hit play to get inspired. 💥
👇 And don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more stories that spark greatness.

What happens when an Olympian decides to give back? You get a powerhouse like Coach Sello Maduma—South African Fencer, 2008 Olympian, and now a world-renowne...

07/12/2024

I was so excited to do this interview.
Jean Spies is an extraordinary individual who exudes confidence and he is very much a man of f action... get things done, no delays kinda guy!

Discover the extraordinary journey of Jean Spies, a two-time Olympian and multiple-time South African Track Cycling Champion

Discover the extraordinary journey of Jean Spies, a two-time Olympian and multiple-time South African Track Cycling Champion. In this exclusive interview, Je...

13/10/2024

Check out the full interview with Alex Tafur on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FbC5Fs3xxoE?si=u79D2tX3QMPNEgpd

12/10/2024

From South Africa to Harvard: Alex Tafur’s Journey as National Fencing Champion & Top Student.

Click on the link and enjoy the full interview:
https://youtu.be/FbC5Fs3xxoE?si=SaKNEXFHizf6x1iY

06/10/2024

​
Take a deep dive into the mind of TJ van Rensburg, a prolific sportsman whose journey spans from Martial Arts to Rugby, all while balancing his overseas master's degree studies.

From excelling as a child athlete to continually pushing his limits as an adult, TJ embodies discipline, passion, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

In this insightful conversation, hear how he stays committed, never cutting corners, and always striving for greatness. Stay tuned for a truly inspiring story!

We had technical problems and some of our audio was lost towards the end of the interview. TJ, has agreed to do the follow up interview, this will give us an excellent opportunity to get to know him even better and extract pertinent points in pursuit of excellence!
A photo by Quino Al on Unsplash

Check out the full interview on YT
https://youtu.be/-C4XDz1ryQ4?si=OTMn8HowgpKsGk6d


👊

29/09/2024

National Gymnastics Star Overcomes Injury, Now Faces a New Fight for His Education

Meet Szilard Szabo, a multiple-time National Gymnastics Champion whose promising athletic career came to a sudden halt due to a life-changing injury.

After battling depression, Szil rediscovered his passion for wildlife conservation and set off on a new path, studying Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology in the U.S. at New Mexico State University.

His journey seemed bright when he was promised a four-year scholarship. However, just two years in, that scholarship was revoked, leaving Szil facing an overwhelming $30,000 annual tuition bill.

As an international student, Szilard is not allowed to work off-campus and doesn’t have access to financial aid or loans, putting his dream of finishing his degree in jeopardy.

In this interview, Szil shares his inspiring story of overcoming adversity, finding a new purpose, and the challenges he now faces to stay in school.

Discover how you can help Szil achieve his goal of completing his studies and contributing to wildlife conservation, a passion he’s fought so hard to pursue.

Watch his story and learn how your support can make a difference.

YouTube link:
https://youtu.be/3BjyywYB624?si=tqyCVY-8IvFYlEib

To support Szil, click the Gofundme on the link below: https://gofund.me/825153b7