18-05-2025
Centurion cyclist rides again after heart transplant
Billy Macleod (56), a cyclist from The Reeds in Centurion, recently participated in the KAP sani2c mountain bike stage race from May 8 to 10.
The event covered 265km over three days from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
The race held profound significance for Macleod as it marked his second year after a heart transplant.
'This race meant a lot to me. It was a chance to show that life after a transplant is amazing.'
He said that last year?s experience was incredible, and now, two years post-transplant, he is tackling a challenge many believed impossible.
Macleod rode alongside 20-year-old Pedro Basson, who, like him, is also a heart transplant recipient.
He shared that their team became a powerful symbol of unity, and determination.
'Pedro's presence made the race even more meaningful,' he said.
'Being able to ride with another heart transplant recipient, especially someone as young as Pedro, was emotional.'
Macleod said Basson's energy and determination helped keep him going through the most gruelling parts of the race.
'He's young; it was his first time, but he showed incredible strength.'
Macleod explained how preparing for the event wasn't just physical.
He described how he had to train through the gym, focusing on long rides and time in the saddle while also keeping his mind sharp.
'We wanted to be the first team of heart recipients to complete this challenge. Our goals were simple: go slow, stay safe, avoid trouble, stay hydrated, stay fed, and stay on the bike.'
Despite his decades of experience, Macleod admitted that the journey wasn't easy.
He said one of his biggest concerns about the race was crashing.
'I had to remember that I have a new organ and needed to be careful and grateful. Every day is a gift from my donor.'
Macleod's journey began in Carletonville, where he grew up before joining the military and eventually settling in The Reeds, Centurion.
He began cycling at the age of 20 after serving in the military and participated in major events for over three decades.
'My achievements included completing ten Ironmans and racing in the prestigious Epic races in 2012, 2013, and 2014.'
However, everything changed in 2014 when he discovered he had heart disease.
He recounted the devastating moment when a doctor recommended a pacemaker due to his low heart rate, leading to a series of health challenges that forced him to pause his passion for cycling for six years.
He felt he had lost a crucial part of his identity.
'I didn't want to believe it at first, but I eventually got the pacemaker in 2015, and for two years it worked well, and I was back on the bike,' he said.
That return was short-lived. In 2017, Macleod began experiencing blackouts.
'Doctors thought I had a brain tumour. I had to turn off the pacemaker for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and they installed an ICD [a device that shocks the heart back into rhythm].
He said his battle with heart disease was marked by numerous hospital visits.
He described the experience as incredibly isolating.
'My wife and daughter stood by me, but I felt so alone sometimes. People say they support you, but unless they're really in it with you, they don't understand.'
Macleod faced dark times filled with depression and a feeling of burdening his family.
Yet, amidst this struggle, he found hope and made peace with his situation.
'In July 2022, I made peace with the idea that I might not see Christmas.'
Then everything changed.
In September 2022, Macleod received a new heart. And with it, a new life.
'I woke up three hours after surgery, talking to my doctors. Most patients go into a coma or need ventilators, but I was alert. It felt like a miracle.'
The former cyclist then achieved his first ride on January 5, 2023, and set his sights on participating in the World Transplant Games, where he qualified for the South African team.
He also opened a business at the Red Barn to promote organ donation, sharing his story to inspire others.
'I'm proud to represent people like me and to show that we're still capable of amazing things.'
Macleod said his story isn't about racing or medals.
'I want people to know there's hope. Life can be tough, but there's always something good. Gratitude is everything. Waking up and taking a breath is already a success.'
He added he's met many people in dark places who just needed a little encouragement.
'Don't give up. There's always a positive side. Look for someone who gives you hope. And be that person for someone else, if you can.'
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