“What’s Your Epic?” campaign leaves a lasting impact beyond the finish line

The 2026 Cape Epic has officially concluded, marking a powerful milestone for Össur South Africa’s “What’s Your Epic?” campaign – one that extends far beyond the race itself.

Launched in late 2025, the campaign set out to champion a simple but urgent belief: that access to mobility underpins dignity, independence and opportunity. To bring this message to life, six amputee athletes took on one of the world’s toughest mountain bike races, using the global stage to raise awareness and funds for three South African non-profits.

Of the six riders who started the race, three crossed the final finish line: Travis Warwick-Oliver, Mhlengi Gwala (pictured) and Izak Rust. Their achievement is a testament not only to physical endurance but to resilience, determination and purpose.

“For me, this was never just about finishing,” said Warwick-Oliver. “Every kilometre was about showing what’s possible, and about creating access for someone else who doesn’t yet have the opportunity to move freely. Crossing that finish line carries meaning far beyond the race itself.”

Gwala, international para-triathlete and African champion, added: “This journey has been about representation. To be on that start line, and to finish, is to show that with the right support, people can rebuild, push forward and redefine what’s possible.”

For Rust, crossing the finish line carried both personal and collective meaning. “Finishing the Cape Epic is something I’ll carry with me for life. But more than that, it’s knowing this journey contributes to something bigger by helping others regain independence and believe in what’s possible.”

While Brian Style, Rudi Joubert and Rentia Retief were forced to retire due to injury, their contribution to the campaign remains no less significant.

“Not finishing doesn’t take away from what this journey has meant,” said Retief. “This campaign is bigger than the race. It’s about opening doors, changing perceptions and helping others reclaim their independence and that continues long after the event.”

Funds raised through ‘What’s Your Epic?’ will support:

• Jumping Kids, providing prosthetic limbs, education access and sporting opportunities to children with limb loss.
• Rejuvenate SA, supplying mobility aids and education to individuals who don’t have the funds or means to access these tools.
• Zimele NPC, enabling adults with physical disabilities to regain independence and build sustainable livelihoods.

Reflecting on the campaign, Blignaut Knoetze, managing director of Össur South Africa, said: “This campaign has never been defined by a finish line. It’s about impact and about shifting perceptions, amplifying the work of these three organisations, and reminding South Africans that access to mobility changes lives. We are incredibly proud of all six athletes, whether they crossed the line or not. Each of them has played a role in driving this movement forward.”

Although the race has ended, the campaign continues. South Africans are encouraged to support “What’s Your Epic?” through donations, partnerships or by sharing the message, thereby helping more individuals stand, walk, work, play or believe in possibility again.

Donations

Össur Donations

ABSA Bank

Account number: 4123 215 542

Branch code: 632005

Reference: Company name and contact number

For more information or Section 18A certificates, email Amelda Potgieter at apotgieter@ossur.com.