We mourn the passing of two Western Cape sporting legends

In the past week, the Western Cape has lost two of its sporting icons – Solomon Gelant Ross and Hermann Steyn, both who made important contributions to the promotion of sport in the country.

Solomon Gelant Ross started his career in athletics at Dal Josaphat Primary School in Paarl. In 1980, he obtained his Western Province Masters colours, acknowledging his achievements in cross country and track athletics. Solomon participated in the South African Masters Athletics Championships in 1981 in the M45 (45-49) age category, where he achieved gold and bronze medals in the 1500m and 400m events respectively. in 1982, he obtained silver medals in the 400m, 1500m and bronze in the 800m events respectively. Solomon went on to represent South Africa in Puerto Rico in 1983. At the 1986 Interprovincial Tournament, Solomon achieved gold medals in the 400m, 800m and 1500m events and a silver medal in the 200m event. 

Training seven days a week as an athlete, Solomon was a true role model for aspiring athletes like Wilson Claasen and Wilfred Daniels who went on to rewrite the record books. Solomon also gave back to the sport of Athletics in the form of coaching and as an administrator who assisted in the establishment of the Newtown Athletics Club, of which he was later elected as President. Due to the apartheid system, he was wrongfully denied many opportunities to compete in South Africa, but he never lost his passion for the sport and continued making a difference in this field. In 2017, Solomon was honoured for his achievements at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports’ Sport Legends event.

Hermann Steyn was an eager athlete and sportsman until he suffered a heart attack at age 55. He underwent a successful heart transplant and then wanted to continue living out his passion for sport. He became a member of the SA Transplant Sports Association and went on to become a part of the South African team that competed at the World Transplant Games in Spain, as well as following Games in the next few years, bringing home many medals as part of the team.

As Executive Secretary for the SA Transplant Sports Association, Hermann was an advocate for organ donation and for encouraging those who underwent transplant surgery to continue participating in sport. His humble and friendly nature made him very popular in the sporting world and he was a true ambassador for the sporting fraternity. He was an example of someone who did not allow his circumstances to stop him from doing what he loved and continue to make an impact on the lives of those around him. 

Both Solomon and Hermann were sporting legends of our province and the sporting fraternity mourns their passing. We send our condolences to their family, friends and all those who they met on and off the sport fields.