Johann Meintjes' story of Olympic redemption sets the tone as SuperSport launches 'Real World Champions' with a five-part video series.

Starting with stories of five South Africans who have used sport to achieve extraordinary feats despite adverse circumstances, 'Real World Champions' is aimed at inspiring audiences to share their own stories of their own hometown heroes through personal storytelling, SuperSport says.

SuperSport says that 'Real World Champions' is part of its 'In What World?' campaign, where SuperSport is challenging itself, its viewers, the general African public and its sports stars to go beyond boundaries. 'In What World?' is SuperSport's clarion call of the moments that go beyond excellence and transcend sport. 

SuperSport says that the 'Real World Champions' series will debut new episodes every two weeks from Monday, 9 December until Monday, 3 February on SuperSport's YouTube channel and on SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv Channel 209).

The series includes World Eightball Pool Champion Tasneem Solomons, recently crowned Africa Surf Tour: Senegal runner-up, Paul "Chow" Sampson, the extraordinary Mitchell's Plain Golf Club and the ever-growing lipstick artist, Ricollin Moodley, SuperSport adds.

The campaign premiers on Monday, 9 December with the story of former Springbok tumbler and gymnast-turned-Olympic photographer, Johann Meintjes. Meintjes was a national gymnast but a failed double-back somersault finish caused him to land on his neck, leaving him a wheelchair-bound paraplegic for the rest of his life. If perseverance and adaptability were to be personified, however, Meintjes would be its face, SuperSport says.

Meintjes showed true 'Real World Champion' spirit when he turned his passion for sport into teaching, coaching and sports photography. During Paris 2024, he became the first accredited wheelchair photographer to cover the Olympic Games but his pursuit of Olympic glory, though not through his initial talents but newfound calling, is a riveting testimony, adds SuperSport.  

SuperSport says that the mandate to platform and support the growth of sport in South Africa is one it takes beyond the realms of popularity and stretches the ambit with which sport can reach. The 'Real World Champions' campaign perfectly encapsulates this.

Set to air on Monday, 23 December, SuperSport says that Ricollin Moodley's story exemplifies the agility of sport through his art — he encapsulates the spirit and atmosphere of each of our better-known sporting heroes such as the Springboks.
 
The artistic flair of Moodley is foiled by the tenacity of Tasneem Solomons. Solomons has gained media attention following her come-from-behind victory to make history and become South Africa's first-ever World Eightball Pool Federation Ultimate Pool women's champion, adds SuperSport.

The other two 'Real World Champions' are Muizenberg's surfing sensation Paul "Chow" Sampson and the Mitchell's Plain Golf Club. With both stories encapsulating the importance of mentorship and access, viewers can expect to watch stories of excellence in the face of adversity, SuperSport says.

"We are really excited to launch this campaign as Your World of Champions because it is a magnificent way to acknowledge vast contributors to the South African sporting fraternity," says SuperSport CEO, Rendani Ramovha.

"The heart-warming nature of each story is the cherry on top. What truly is phenomenal is the level of skill, expertise and passion each Real World Champion puts into perfecting their craft to become the true world-beater that they are today. We carefully chose each 'Real World Champion' because of the power of their story to not only resonate with ordinary South Africans but also inspire everyone to make a difference in their lives and their community," says Ramovha.

With a five-minute run time each, the episodes are short with shots of each 'Real World Champion' in their element. Each episode is unique to itself but threaded to the others through the representation of the power of human will to overcome any hurdle along the way to reaching their goal, SuperSport concludes.

Individuals are encouraged to identify and share stories of 'Real World Champions' within their communities. To submit 'Real World Champion(s)' for consideration, send an email to realworldchamps@supersport.com detailing in no longer than 500 words why your proposed candidate deserves to be profiled by SuperSport. Provide a referral and any other supporting documentation. Submissions will be accepted from Monday, 9 December until Monday, 31 March 2025.

For more information, visit www.supersport.com. You can also follow SuperSport on Facebook, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor