Syster 'one of a kind'

2004-12-27 23:06

Eben Human

Cape Town - Nobody should expect a natural successor to Ian Syster make his appearance on February 20 when for the first time since 2001 the South African marathon will be run again.

That was the comment (and warning) on Monday from Gert Thys after his former practice mate was killed in a car accident on Sunday.

Syster died when his car left the road on a bridge near Keimoes.

"Every person has a unique personality. That is why I say we won't see someone like him again," Thys said.

Thys also said Syster did not have his equal when it came to hard work and commitment.

"In the practices we also saw how fast he was over the 1 000m. He could easily do sets in 2:30," Thys explained.

Thys, the SA record holder in the marathon with a time of 2 hours 6 minutes and 33 seconds, was convinced that Syster had greater speed and would eventually build on the performances Thys and Hendrick Ramaala set.

"I used to discuss self-discipline with him. It is the foundation for a good athletics career," the record holder added.

Thys admitted it was a disappointment when Syster left him as trainer to practice on his own at Potchefstroom.

"I was also disappointed that he bought a second expensive car. When these things become important, it takes your focus away from athletics," he said.

Ramaala also warned athletes to stay calm and not forget their friends.

"Too many strangers start looking you up when you start making a name for yourself," said Ramaala, who won the New York marathon this year.

- Die Burger