Biokineticist Letshego Moshoeu says she likes being known as an adventure freak because it defines who she is. This bubbly 28-year-old is always seeking adventure and ways to be active.
Popular for her participation in hit reality shows Survivor (Maldives, 2011) and Fear Factor, she is fast becoming known for her sporting exploits.
“I’ve always enjoyed watching these reality shows and because I love adventure so much, it’s always been a dream of mine to be a contestant. Despite not taking away either shows main prize, my prize was that two of my dreams came true. Loved my experiences.”
Now Letshego is set to be the first black woman to participate in the gruelling ABSA Cape Epic, her first big adventure of 2013.
“I love adventure and doing things not usually done by my peers. I really enjoy breaking barriers,” she told gsport.
Throughout her schooling career Letshego remembers participating in at leas five sporting codes a year so physical activity has always been at the top of her list.
“I easily gravitated towards Sports Science when I registered for varsity. I learnt about Biokinetics when I sustained a knee injury in my 3rd year and received rehabilitation from a Bio student. I found it rather interesting and did my honours in Biokinetics. In simple terms, my job entails using exercise as a tool to rehabilitate all types of injuries.”
Letshego is dating motorsport star Gugu Zulu, and says his support in her sporting exploits has been invaluable. “Besides joining me in all that I do, Gugu also loves to sometimes sit back and watch me from a distance with a smile on his face.
“He loves to watch me progress and improve myself, and his support means the world to me. He’s my number 1 fan, and my welcoming committee when I cross the finish line. He has supported me in all I do from day one.”
On being known as South Africa’s Adventure Couple with Zulu, Letshego says: “I love it!”
“Gugu and I are constantly striving to push boundaries in terms of adventure, and our main aim is to show our peers that there are other fun things out there besides partying, drinking alcohol and smoking.”
Reflecting on her biggest adventure taken to date, Letshego reminisces about her 25th birthday in 2009. “At the top of my list is definitely the Skydive I took with Gugu to celebrate my 25th birthday in 2009. That was one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had.”
While admitting that Adventure sport is still growing in South Africa, Letshego says women are slowly venturing into new terrain, as opposed to traditional sporting codes.
“I admire any women that takes up any activity that they previously thought was unattainable.”
“I believe if there could be more financial support for women in sport and more development academies to nurture their skills,” argues Letshego, “we would definitely have more women competing on national and international platforms, and that would definitely raise the profile of women in sport.”
Letshego says her key to remaining fit is always having a goal to work towards, and to remind herself of it everyday.
“My current goal is to successfully complete the eight-day Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race in March, and my constant reminders are my mountain bike and Gugu, because he is also training for the race.”
Letshego has some advice for aspiring adventure freaks. “Don’t be afraid to try something new. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.”
Her favourite sportswoman is Olympic silver medallist Caster Semenya. “At the top of my list is Caster Semenya. I used to be an 800m athlete, and have always looked up to her from day one. Another inspirational woman is Natalie du Toit.”
Reflecting on 2012, Letshego says: “It’s been a year of self discovery and interesting learning curves. I’m growing and learning a lot about myself and my abilities day by day.”
She is motivated by advice from Olympic legend Penny Heyns – “Focus on running your own race rather than focusing on your competitors.”
Letshego enjoys giving back. She currently supports the Diepsloot Mountain Biking Club and the JAG Riders Club. Both clubs equip kids from underprivileged communities in Johannesburg and Cape Town with personal and interpersonal skills using mountain biking as the tool.
Letshego says her mother is her role model. “She has gone through so much and always comes out tops. That’s inspirational.”
She relaxes by going 10-pin bowling, go-karting, playing putt-putt and going out to movies, but mostly you will find this proud South African chasing her next adventure.
Letshego has her eye set on trail-running, and judging by her previous achievements, expect great things from this inspirational young woman. “I enjoy having the freedom to explore and try anything I want to. It fuels the adventure freak in me.”
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