HOUSTON — Meeting the President of France before an important game, Houston SaberCats' Maks Van Dyk could have done what any athlete would do: Graciously accept the President’s best wishes.
But Van Dyk did something totally out of the ordinary.
Originally from South Africa, Van Dyk decided - in 2019 - he wanted to just not play in France, but also make it his home.
"I was very passionate about the culture"
When he heard a rumor that French President Emmanuel Macron would be attending his championship match, he decided to take matters into his own massive hands.
"I said to my coaches before the game look, I'm going to ask this guy for a French passport," Van Dyk said.
And that's what he did. Their interaction was seen and heard on the broadcast.
"I could see a little bit of shock in his eyes," he said.
But Macron approved.
"And he said, Look, let's start the process," he said.
“In America, that's what we call shooting your shot. Are you familiar with that phrase?” KHOU 11's Jason Bristol asked.
“Absolutely,” Van Dyk said.
Two months later, Van Dyk had his ultimate prize. It also became major news.
"A lot of people had criticism over it," he said.
But Van Dyk maintains he was well within his rights. Five years later, he's enjoying his time in Houston. The club is grateful to have him.
"He really pulls all of us together, shares that experience with players and how to handle big games, how to handle certain situations, high pressure," SaberCats Coach Vic Meyer said.
Van Dyk is always delighted to relive the greatest try of his career.
"That's the kind of my motto that I live by, you get a few opportunities in life you gotta take," he said. "And that was one of them."