Esti Olivier is a South African sprint kayaker and recently an honoured Olympian. She is the South African national champion, the 2019 and 2023 African champion and a world cup silver medallist.
On the podcast, Esti straight talks on the journey of mental health for athletes, and how under – resourced athletes are in South Africa. Beyond the Olympic qualification Esti has always been open about her mental health journey and advocates strongly for mercy from the public. We also talk about Kgothatso Montjane who recently withdrew from the paralympics and how tough that decision is for an athlete and the understanding needed for supporting mental health. In a deeply emotional, open way we talk about the current health battle Esti’s mom is fighting with stage 4 cancer, and the meaning behind her presence in Paris with Esti when she competed. Did Esti visit Disney Land in Paris and what did she do on her day off? Why doesn’t Esti kayak on rivers? What role did her father play in her journey choosing kayaking? The conversation on support, sponsorship and finances continues as we round off our conversation, with the challenge to support women in sport, and develop young talent from the onset.
Esti Olivier and I would also like to take this opportunity to say a prayer for anyone who is currently battling cancer, or who has a family member fighting this hard fight. This show is dedicated to every brave warrior.