UNAM Athletics Club’s Jade Angula is driven by success to get better. New Era caught up with her for a one-on-one interview.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I am a passionate and determined individual. I am a librarian by profession, currently working at the International University of Management. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Knowledge Management.
Can you tell us how you first got involved in athletics?
Like everyone does, I participated in athletics at school. But in 2019, while at the University of Namibia, my friend and I casually stopped by the sport field one afternoon and noticed people training. We decided to join, mainly for fitness and not with competitive intentions. Local coach Erwin Naimhwaka welcomed us. As he saw my potential, he increased the training intensity. Initially, I was not winning. My time was far from great, with my 200metre (m) time at 32 seconds, 100m around 13 seconds and 400m over a minute. However, Naimhwaka encouraged me not to focus on the times, but to keep improving and setting personal bests. He believed in my potential. Since then, I have been consistently setting new personal bests. I grew in confidence, and got more and more motivated. I started believing in my capacity to keep improving.
Please tell us about some of your races and the medals you have achieved.
I have been blessed to compete in various local and regional races, where I achieved either new PBs, podium finishes or both. So far, I have earned three national medals: a gold medal in the 200m in 2023, making me the national champion, a silver medal in the 100m in 2023, and a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2024 national championships.
In addition to national competitions, I have also proudly represented myself and my country at international events, such as the All-Africa Games in Ghana, the African Championships in Cameroon, the Botswana Grand Prix, the Mozambique Nationals, the Botswana Nationals and the South African Grand Prix.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced so far in your sprinting career?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my sprinting career has been managing and balancing my academics, work and athletics. Staying consistent with training and keeping healthy by preventing injuries while also keeping up with my studies and responsibilities, has sometimes felt overwhelming.
However, through faith, discipline and a strong support system, I have learnt to persevere and keep pushing towards my goals.
What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?
My personal goals are to continue lowering my PBs in the 100m, 200m and 400m events as well as to stay consistent and injury-free. I also want to grow mentally and spiritually stronger, trusting the journey God has set for me.
Which event is your favourite – 100m, 200m or relay – and why?
It should be 100m because it is shorter and it is the ultimate test of speed, power and focus. The intensity, concentration and adrenaline rush in such a short amount of time is unlike anything else. There is something about pushing my body to its limit, and achieving that explosive start and finish that I absolutely love. It is a pure sprint. I thrive in that environment.
Are there any athletes, local or international, that you look up to?
I look up to Elaine Thompson-Herah. Her journey, resilience and the way she continues to dominate and inspire on the track is something I deeply admire. She reminds me that with hard work, faith and patience, anything is possible.
Where do you see yourself in five years on and off track?
In five years, I see myself becoming a stronger and more competitive athlete, consistently improving my performances. I wish to sustain the same level or even improve the rate of progression that I have managed to realise since 2019. I will ensure that aiming to qualify for major global competitions like the World Championships and the Olympics is a realistic target and possibility. Off track, I hope to build a meaningful career, continue my academic journey, and inspire others and the next generation through my story, faith and the values I live by.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na