Boishaaier 2025

Creative Writing

The Lessons of Sport

Luan Bornman (12C)

Shy, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, ashamed of myself. These were the words that described the younger version of me. That was when little Luan struggled in life. He had no way to conquer his daily fears, whether socially or physically. That was until I discovered sport at the age of 9. I had nothing to do during the afternoons. We were living in the Singapore Skyline, and I would often find myself causing trouble in between the considerate and conservative locals. I was also suffering from a lack of discipline; my body and mind were weak. These two problems made it difficult to adapt socially in a foreign country. Fast forward to age 10, where I found myself back in South Africa and enrolled in Law School Bone Breaker. This was where I discovered rugby, my first sport. Unfortunately, my rugby career came to a sudden and painful halt after playing for the A-team for the full year. My body was battered and bruised. My parents feared it was abuse or assault, but it was just off season training. My normal off-season days became the worst

days of my life. I was struggling and crying daily. This was where little Luan vowed never to play rugby again. Luckily, we moved down to the Western Cape in Grade 5. This was when I discovered hockey. I was uncertain of what pain and agony this sport would entail for my future. Turns out there was none. I could not believe how fun it was with my fellow players and coaches. But just as enjoyable as the sport was, I started off as an unconfident goalkeeper, and within five years I was playing for the high school’s first team before I turned 15. Those five years and the years that followed helped me to discover who I truly was. Sports—specifically hockey—taught me discipline, determination, and respect. It moulded a young boy into a man with fewer fears, more hope, and it gave me the will to live. Outgoing, confident, fearless, respectful—these are the words that describe who I have become through all the hardships and pressure which sport brought. Physically and mentally capable—all thanks to discovering hockey.

In the Silence of the Night, I cannot Endure

Kian Trystman (10B) The air was thick and humid as the sun continued to scorch my now scarlet-skin. The faint chirp of many different sea birds could be heard as I drifted further into the blue abyss. The hull of the dinghy rocked continuously, disturbing my sleep. In my fit of tiresome pandiculation, I clambered onto my feet and began to stare at the vast horizon. The pale blue of the sea was now a familiar shade, although unwelcoming. I gazed aimlessly, searching for the odd jellyfish or dolphin frolicking in the water. My eyes began to veer upwards towards the plump and numerous clouds in the sky. Soon, I sat down on the hard, splintered wood of the deck. My stomach was ravenous, accompanied by my raspy throat and dry eyelids. I felt as if I was a pastry being baked inside of an awfully hot oven for an endless duration. The water below me brought no respite as it was lukewarm and dirty, as if it had been wrung from an old rag. Washing my face only brought more disdain. My body was enervated from the forces of nature and malnutrition. I endured nights of torrential rain that felt like frozen spears on my burnt back, and days of flaming arrows being shot at me by the sun. I returned to an idle stance, feeling like a husk of a person. My mind drifted as the chilly sea breeze began to envelop me in its cold, hard hands. In the middle of the night, I was woken by the scraping sound of the dinghy’s hull grinding upon a cluster of sharp rocks. I gripped the paddles firmly and used what little strength I had left to steer away, however the boat soon began to sink. My vigour was thinned as the frigid water crept upon me, but as I cried out in shock, my feet found the floor. In the silence of that night, I could not endure, however, as I clung onto life it seemed to lift me up, begrudgingly. I managed to shipwreck onto a rather appealing island, not noticing it as I struggled. My torment had brought me respite.

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BOISHAAI 157 YEARS 97