Compiled by Maurice Kambukwe
Which race would you describe as your most memorable?
The Golden Grand Prix in Botswana holds a special place in my memory, as it marked my debut in senior international competitions. Clinching the first position in that event was surreal, and it will always stand out as a major accomplishment for 2023.
Which race would be your toughest one to date?
I consider the Khomas Championships 2023, particularly the 200-metre race, to be my most challenging competition. On that specific day, my mental focus was lacking, and my body seemed unresponsive. Rather than persevering through the toughness, I succumbed to the sensations my body was experiencing at that moment. I vividly recall bypassing my parents and seeking solace directly from my coach after one of the races, highlighting the emotional impact that race had on me.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
Identifying the primary influence on my athletic journey is a thought-provoking question, and I would attribute it to my parents, great-grandmother, coach and the small support group around me. This collective influence is consistently motivating, urging me to persist in my pursuits even during challenging times, underscoring the crucial role they play in my athletic career. Their unwavering encouragement serves as a driving force that propels me forward – even when circumstances seem less favourable.
What would you say has been your biggest career disappointment so far?
The most significant letdown in my journey occurred in June 2022, when, quite unexpectedly, I fractured my foot while strolling down the street. This incident had a profound impact on me, as I found myself confined to a cast, sidelining my training for an extensive three-month period. Even after the cast was removed, the road to recovery persisted, and I could not resume proper training until early December. Essentially, this unfortunate event deprived me of any meaningful off-season training, posing a considerable setback to my athletic pursuits.
Who are your favourite local and international athletes?
Favourite local athlete: Dr Frank Fredericks
International athlete: Shelly-Ann Fryser-Pryce
If not athletics, which other sport would you have chosen?
If not athletics, I would probably be a football, netball or maybe tennis player.
What initially sparked your interest in sprinting, and how did you first get involved in the sport?
My involvement in athletics has been a lifelong journey, spanning from primary school through high school and into university. The trajectory of my athletic pursuits took a significant turn when I began competing at the national level. In 2017, after winning a crucial race, my father recognised my talent and took the initiative to nurture it further. He played a pivotal role in finding a coach for me, marking the beginning of a more focused and passionate chapter in my athletic career.
My formal coaching commenced in grade 11, and 2017 was a significant year for me. However, when I reached matric (the following year), my parents and I collectively decided to take a hiatus from training to prioritise academic endeavours. The entirety of 2018 passed without dedicated athletic training, as I concentrated on my studies.
Upon completing matric, I rekindled my passion for athletics and sought a new training environment. I joined the Unam athletics club, aligning my training schedule with my university commitments. Three years of dedicated training with the Unam Athletics Club yielded positive results.
Recently, I transitioned to a new chapter in my athletic journey by joining the Nust Welwitschia 77 Athletics Club. Under the guidance of chief coach Letu Hamhola, I am excited about the continued growth and development of my athletic abilities within this new club setting.
Did you grow up in a family where sports, particularly athletics, played a significant role? Were there any siblings or family members who shared a passion for sprinting, and did that influence your decision to pursue it as well?
My passion for running began at the age of seven, and while I would not directly attribute it to my family’s athletic abilities, it is worth noting that several family members, including my father, engaged in various sports. My father, in particular, was a sprinter, and I believe some of the athletic genes in my makeup might have stemmed from that lineage. Despite this influence, my love for running has been a personal and genuine connection, sparking from an early age and driving my dedication to the sport.
How do you perceive the current state of athletics in Namibia? Are there aspects that you believe need attention or improvement to ensure the continued growth and success of Namibian athletes on the international stage?
Enhancing the state of athletics in Namibia could involve introducing incentives to reward athletes for their persistent dedication and outstanding performances. Additionally, there is a need to bolster marketing strategies to attract larger crowds to athletic events. Transforming a gathering of just 100 people, half of whom are athletes, into a thriving audience of nearly 1 000 or more spectators could significantly amplify the impact of these athletic competitions. Furthermore, providing athletes with opportunities to participate in international competitions would not only foster their experience but also contribute to their overall growth on the global stage. These initiatives collectively create a more supportive and rewarding environment for Namibian athletes.
How do you maintain a balance between physical training and mental preparation?
In my personal opinion, athletic training stands out as one of the most rigorous and demanding forms of physical conditioning. The prospect of dedicating oneself to training every single day of the year, all to shave off mere seconds from one’s time, underscores the immense challenges inherent in this discipline. The daily grind of training presents constant mental hurdles, where even seemingly simple exercises pose significant difficulties, demanding unwavering mental fortitude to persevere. I, too, grappled with mental preparation challenges – and candidly, it had a profound impact on my performance.
Over time, I discovered the importance of living in the present moment, embracing each training session as it comes. This shift in mindset involved honing the ability to concentrate on aspects within my control, while gracefully letting go of those beyond my influence, thereby preventing unnecessary burdens from affecting my progress.
This year, you had a great year, where you competed in the Botswana Grand Prix, finishing in first place. How did that win motivate or boost your morale?
Emerging from a demanding season, the Botswana Grand Prix marked a turning point for me. Securing victory in my race while facing challenges not only served as a profound source of motivation but also demonstrated my ability to achieve remarkable feats when fully committed. Standing amidst the female sprinters of Botswana as the sole Namibian contender and triumphing convincingly showcased the depth of my capabilities, affirming that with determination, I can excel in extraordinary ways.
From your perspective, what are some of the unique challenges that Namibian athletes, particularly female sprinters, face in the world of athletics?
Challenges are universal, and most athletes cry for exposure on a national and international level. We have to compete against people with world-class facilities while it is a daily struggle to just get to the Independence Stadium – let alone follow a correct diet. Talent is scattered all over Namibia, and it needs to be identified and nurtured to international heists. For female athletes, I look at mental health as one of the main challenges; therefore, we need to create a high-performance environment to have success on the international level. We need athletes on the diamond league circuit competing against the world’s best.
What are some of your ambitions for 2023 and beyond?
When it comes to 2024, I remain committed and dedicated to working hard. It will be a busy year, but I aim to always improve and qualify for international competitions. However, I recognise that my current actions play a pivotal role in shaping the upcoming year.
By investing my energy in the present moment and making conscientious choices, I aim to influence a positive and successful trajectory for the upcoming athletic year.
Short quiz:
Adidas, Nike or Puma?
Nike
Tik Tok, X or Instagram?
Swakopmund, Walvis Bay or Windhoek?
Swakopmund
Sneakers, heels or sandals?
Sneakers
Bus, car or plane?
Plane