Who is OSWALD KYDD?
I know him as the friendly and highly efficient team player at the CYCLELAB megastore in Fourways JHB where is always ready to assist our bicycle couriers customers. But the story goes much deeper than that. Oswald Kydd is a para-athlete who’s been representing SA since 2002. With over 50 national titles, 3 Ironman golds, and a World Triathlon Champion (Beijing) title under his belt, he’s a true legend in both cycling and triathlon. Competing under the C2 classification, his grit and determination make him a pillar of strength for the team. Oswald is not only a powerhouse on the road, but also a leader who pushes his teammates to dig deeper and dream bigger.
1st October marks the birthday of local legend OSWALD KYDD
He says: “So today, roughly a quarter of a century ago at 4.30pm I should have been dead on the side of the road after being involved in a cycling accident. Because of my fitness, determination and fighting spirit I am still here, and I am thankful for all the people I have met, loved, and befriended, thank you for all your support and help that you have given me. Without all of you I may not be where I am today. THANK YOU. With that energy, this year I managed to attain 5 national championship jerseys with a possible National record to be ratified:
- SA National Road champion
- SA National TT champion
- 1000m TT champion
- 3000m individual pursuit champion and record to be ratified
- SA National Gravel champion
NEVER RETREAT, NEVER SURRENDER. Below is a short history and timeline of Oswald’s achievements over the years.
Before and after the accident
- 1982: started running 21kms at school
- 1988: Started cycling after NDF
- 1993: Won SA TTT championships
- 1997: Accident which led to amputation
- 6 months before he got his first prosthesis
- 1998: 106km cycle race from PMB to DBN
- 2002: World Champs for disabled in Germany
- “Since then I have participated at numerous South African Road and Time Trial Championships and been SA Champion for over 15 years in my Physically Challenged category.”
But then he wanted a BIGGER challenge…
- 2005: Started para-triathlon
- 2006: IRONMAN® in 13hr 17min
- 2007: IRONMAN® in 12hr 25min
- 2010: IRONMAN® in 10hr 56min (198th overall!)
- 2010: 3rd at TRI World Champs in Hungary
- 2011: 1st at TRI World Champs in Beijing
- 2012: 4th at TRI World Champs in New Zealand
- 2016: Became a certified coach
- 2025: Still going strong as on org/athletes/profile/30573/oswald-kydd where his stats read that out of the last 18 starts Oswald Kydd achieved 14 podiums and 10 wins. Highly impressive.
Well done, Oswald! Thanks for setting such a great example!
