Long-distance runner Brucelynn Damons wants to motivate youth in gang- and drug-infested Manenberg to run towards their goals despite a lack of opportunity.
Brucelynn, 24, and a brother are the only surviving quadruplets. Another brother and the only sister died at two months old.
Their parents are both professional athletes and the genes clearly run in the family.
Brucelynn is the current Western Province junior 1500m record holder and was named WP cross country senior sportsman in 2014.
He recently signed up with the Nedbank Athletics Club after his Facebook post appealing for assistance went viral last year.
“My love for running started at Sonderend Primary School in Grade 6 in 2008, the teacher asked the class to run two laps around the school rugby field very fast to see who would win. I finished first with a big gap, with my brother in second place,” he says.
“The following year, I made my first Western Province team for cross country.
“That same year I got a scho-larship for the Western Cape Sport School.”
Due to the pandemic, sport meets were cancelled and Brucelynn started his own clothing label to earn an income.
“I am also known as a Champion of God (COG), which is my brand.
Blessed to the max!! Ill always be a Champion of God!! #runwithapurposerunwithadream #champion #runningforHim #Nedbank #Biogen #championofGod #cog #kb2021
Posted by Champion of God = Bruce-Lynn Damons onThursday, 28 January 2021
“For me, it's all about running for the glory of God and using the talent He has given me to please Him.”
In 2019, Brucelynn won silver and bronze at the USSA championship, and finished ninth in the 5000m at the World Student Games in Italy.
In November, attempts to get a sponsorship failed and in desperation he turned to Facebook for help, posting: “I remember the struggle where I had to ask my former coach Duane for training shoes because I could not afford it. It was the only pair I used, I trained in them and I ran races with them, preparing for the national team after I met a target of 14:03 in 5000m. Hence I had no support from sponsors at the time, but I can testify that God was with me, with the support of my coach.”
Brucelynn was approached by Dr. Kate Baatjies, Dr. Randall Ortel and the Nedbank Athletics Club who have now all taken an interest in his career.
This morning I was so glad to be able to run a competive. road since the lockdown. I finished 4th with a time of 31:05 ...
Posted by Champion of God = Bruce-Lynn Damons onSaturday, 13 February 2021
“I had it hard but after telling my story on Facebook, God opened doors for me,” he says.
His dream is to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games in 2024.