Aphiwe Dyantyi has posted a positive update about where he is mentally five months after he tested positive for banned substances.
The 25-year-old is fighting for his career after his mandatory ‘B’ sample came back with positive findings for three banned substances, a couple of months before he was set to compete for a place in the Springboks’ World Cup squad.
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Dyantyi has been handed a provisional suspension from all forms of rugby, pending a hearing and faces a four-year ban if found guilty.
In his first social media post since August, Dyantyi provided an update on his mental struggle since being suspended.
‘One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you cannot change,’ Dyantyi wrote.
‘5 months later and not much has changed, except my battles and struggles empower and give me strength. My tears, my heartbreak sometimes holds me back (as if saying “it’s ok to fail”). Life would be easier if I just listened to them, but I’m reminded each day that life wouldn’t be what it is if there weren’t spoils and spills every now & then
‘In recent months Ive found myself smiling more often, even when I’m sad I’m happy, even when feel like crying I find myself smiling.
‘I believe my heart is at peace even though some days I still wake up feeling sad & hopeless at least I wake up wanting to live. A lot has changed, a lot hasn’t at the same time like the love and support I got and have continued to get.
‘If it weren’t for that (love & support of friends & family, messages of encouragement) life would be worthless, so thanks to everything and everyone that has shown me support.’
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