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Sir Bryan Williams on the racism he faced during the 1970 apartheid tour of South Africa.

February 26, 202500:58
00:00:00
yeah this is disgraceful you were
00:00:01
granted honorary white status huh what's
00:00:04
that yeah how did that make you feel at
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the time I know what I am you're just
00:00:08
trying to justify uh your abhorent
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political system of a part but that's
00:00:14
what you want to call me go ahead I'm an
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all black and I'm s and I'm going to do
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my best you know I'm still 19 years old
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D and you know playing alongside guys
00:00:24
who ID absolutely idolized for you know
00:00:27
the previous decade so you know real
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really worried about that whether I'd
00:00:32
measure up or not and then of course
00:00:34
going to a party South Africa just
00:00:36
wondering how you're going to be treated
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so when the plane touched down in Joe BG
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I've told a story many times I actually
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had a panic attack and I I didn't want
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to get off the plane and I virtually had
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to be coaxed off the plane by my
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teammates took one step after the other
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and before I knew it out on the field
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scoring a try and I was an o

Podspun Insights

In this episode, the conversation dives deep into the complexities of identity and the pressures of living up to expectations. A young athlete shares a poignant story about receiving honorary status and the emotional turmoil that accompanied it. The narrative unfolds with a vivid recounting of a panic attack upon landing in South Africa, highlighting the internal struggles faced by someone trying to navigate their place in a world filled with idolization and fear. As the athlete steps onto the field, the tension transforms into triumph, showcasing the duality of vulnerability and strength. This episode resonates on multiple levels, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart of someone grappling with their identity while striving for greatness in a challenging environment.

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 90
    Most emotional
  • 90
    Best performance
  • 88
    Most heartbreaking
  • 88
    Best concept / idea

Episode Highlights

  • Young and Determined
    At just 19, he vows to give his all while playing alongside his idols.
    “I’m still 19 years old and I’m going to do my best.”
    @ 00m 18s
    February 26, 2025
  • Facing Fears in South Africa
    Arriving in South Africa, the pressure and anxiety almost kept him from stepping off the plane.
    “I actually had a panic attack and I didn’t want to get off the plane.”
    @ 00m 40s
    February 26, 2025

Episode Quotes

Key Moments

  • Young Athlete00:18
  • Idolization00:24
  • Touchdown in South Africa00:38
  • Panic Attack00:40