Sandton’s own Oswald Kydd will take on one of South Africa’s toughest endurance rides, the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century, leading the country’s first-ever mixed para cycling team on November 22.

Bringing together para-athletes from across South Africa, this historic team will tackle the 202km challenge through the Western Cape, showing that determination can outpace any limitation.

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At the helm is Kydd, a veteran para-athlete who has proudly represented South Africa since 2002.

Now 57 years old, his endurance journey began more than four decades ago.

“My endurance sports actually started in 1982 at high school, doing cross country and middle-distance running.”

Kydd said that he has built a career defined by grit, discipline, and an unshakable will to win. With over 50 national titles, three Ironman finishes, and a World Triathlon Champion title from Beijing 2011, he is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished para-athletes.

For Kydd, leading this pioneering team is not just a personal milestone but a statement of inclusion.

“It is not just me that will be leading the team, but rather the team leading us as a community, that we may be impaired, but we can still do everything that unimpaired people can do, however restricted we are.”

That spirit of resilience has shaped both his athletic and leadership philosophy.

Known for saying coming second is not acceptable, Kydd’s drive comes from years of proving that disability does not define one’s potential.

“The drive comes from on occasion being seen as different and wanting to be accepted into society as a whole, contributing and visible.”

Despite his success, the road has not always been smooth.

“The biggest obstacles are usually the extra bits needed to be able to participate in any event,” he said, referring to the added logistical and financial challenges that para-athletes often face.

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Kydd remains focused on the bigger picture, using sport as a platform for unity and inspiration.

Working with para cyclists from diverse backgrounds has been both rewarding and eye-opening.

“The organisers of the DC are very enthusiastic to have us as part of the event. I want this collaboration to make the country aware of what can be achieved by people who work as a team and see the vision.”

Beyond medals and titles, Kydd’s influence runs deeper.

As a mentor and coach, he’s known for motivating others through his actions rather than speeches.

“Even years down the line, people remember riding with me. To be good at anything in life, you have to be consistent, persistent, and see the bigger picture.”

His sporting résumé speaks for itself: 2011 World Triathlon Champion; 2014 ATU Cross Triathlon Champion; multiple All Africa Triathlon, South African Road, Track, and Time Trial titles; TSA Level 1 and Ironman University certified coach; and a three-time Ironman South Africa finisher.

When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Kydd keeps it simple and powerful: “No retreat. No surrender.”

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