Simone Sharpe is a cancer and life-threatening blood disorder survivor. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 15, and the most severe case of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura that South Africa had ever experienced (in 2008) at 18, she has been through many rounds of chemo, radiation, various operations, and treatments. She lost most of her hair twice, but like her spirit – it comes back with a vengeance.
Due to the treatments, she developed Avascular Necrosis in her shoulders (meaning the blood doesn’t flow to the bone, and the bone dies), which resulted in her having to have a shoulder replacement. She now has a titanium humeral head on her left shoulder. Yet she is an incredible adventurer, mountain biker, triathlete, and is part of the Absa #sheuntamed ladies who courageously take on some of the most gruelling races in the country.
Opening our conversation, Simone Sharpe shares with us her message about body positivity, sport and how she started taking on challenges and adventures which pushed her to pursue racing. We talk about her very first participation in the Cape epic this year, the race was brutal and intense for all the participants and Simone’s reflections are shared openly. Connecting with a new partner ahead of the Epic and finding a great fit with Elaine, whom she holds immense respect for. Over the really hot day, Elaine and Simone faced an immense hurdle in a possible hospitalisation. Also facing the rollercoaster of having their boards cut up after missing the finishing time, and then being reinstated, Simone takes us through the fight against your body breaking down, the emotional and the mental toll this race takes on you.
We speak about not defining oneself or self-worth through racing, or completing a race. A complex reality that haunts many participants. Simone has openly spoken about her journey with sobriety, and we speak deeply about her journey with alcohol, binge drinking, the beginnings of her party days and how stopping drinking has been such a beautiful change in her life. She hopes her story and her truth can be a lesson and inspiration to young people. Simone is truly someone who is self – aware and she shares her recent reflections on why she undertakes immense physical challenges and adventures and how she is shifting what she seeks over the next few months. This is a story of survival, strength, and radical self-discovery. Simone Sharpe has a voice resonating with hope and vulnerability that will stay with you long after you listen.