Kolisi became more than a man the moment he hoisted rugby's greatest prize, four years ago in Japan.
Long since a symbol of hope and success for anyone trying to thrive in South Africa's townships, on November 2, 2019, Kolisi shouldered an even greater responsibility.
The Zwide-born back-row forward found a way out of poverty, hunger and danger - through the hardest of graft, enduring love and humility to that 32-12 World Cup Final triumph over England.
The 32-year-old has never let that burden weigh him down. Among all the accolades, the charity foundation, raising his own family and continuing his storied rugby career, perhaps that alone underscores his greatness.
Those without birthright have no use for privilege.
Kolisi is already using his status for good, for change. And a country always conflicted on its future path will doubtless cry out for him to move into politics.
Twickenham erupted in an unmatched roar when Kolisi's face was beamed onto the big screens after South Africa thrashed New Zealand 35-7 in west London last month.
This modern icon long ago transcended rugby. But then he outdid even his great self by recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in four months.
This is preposterous, and yet, has actually happened.
If Kolisi wants any respite from his miracle-man status, the Sharks flanker is going about it all wrong.
A standard hamstring-graft ACL rehabilitation is nine months, while some can stretch to a year.
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin September 07, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin September 07, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Only £65k a month to live like Boy George
The Karma Chameleon singer listed his house for £17m in 2022, turning down offers. Now, he's looking for a tenant
Welcome to London, unicorn capital of Europe
We're flying far ahead of anywhere outside US for tech investment
Arteta's Arsenal evolution The next phase
Malik Ouzia and Simon Collings assess how the Spaniard will try to bring down Man City after he signs up for another three years with the title in his sights
Title fight catches fire after Gunners embrace dark side
Arsenal-City clashes take on a welcome edge of animosity
Whack the hippy gong-boho's back
It happened in Paris one grey February day. Sienna Miller was in an oversized, black leather jacket, lace-trimmed silk slip and clumpy great wedges.
There's a Starlink waiting in the sky... 7,000 in fact.Can Elon Musk stop them crashing to Earth?
As he was preparing his fields for seeding this year, Barry Sawchuk came across a giant slab of space debris. It had come from a spacecraft belonging to Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX.
'Politicians are only into power-mongering, corruption and cronyism'
We speak to alt revolutionary DEEPAK CHOPRA about biomarkers, his digital twin and his work to save humanity from disease
I've been waiting for a production of Godotthis brilliant all my life
Ben Whishaw and Lucian Msamati bring a potent, tragicomic chemistry to James Macdonald’s rich revival of Samuel Beckett’s challenging play.
Trust me, the Ritz is London's bestrestaurant
To whom we turn in moments of gloom and glory can be instructive, a filter of our truest friends. I've fallen out with the Ritz a couple of times, including once after a visit to the bar which didn’t warrant a review (“But you said it was lovely!” they said.
'Healing is a dirty word'
After four traumatic years, FKA twigs is back with a new album -and a thrilling metamorphosis
