One of Namibia’s most gifted sprinters Sade de Sousa this past weekend continued with her revitalising form on the American athletics circuit when she clocked a remarkable time of 7.43 seconds in the women’s 60m indoor race.
De Sousa, who studies and competes for the Jefferson City-based Carson Newman University in Tennessee, participated in the Bast Cregger-Multi Invitational held in Salem, Virginia.
The 21-year-old finished in second place behind Alexis Brown, who ran a time of 7.35 seconds to win the race, but De Sousa’s time of 7.43 seconds was enough to set a new Namibian women’s 60m indoor record.
According to the latest available information, the country’s previous women’s 60m indoor record was set by Jolene Jacobs in 2020 when she clocked 7.46 seconds at the Midland Championships in Birmingham, England.
Before setting the 7.46-second record, Jacobs had also broken that record with her time of 7.50 seconds set during a meet in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2018.
For the young De Sousa, it was a dream come true to become the new Namibian women’s 60m indoor record holder and to continue her rich vein of form on the highly-competitive American athletics circuit.
“I was unaware of it (Jacobs’ indoor record) as I was only focused on the school records I broke with each race during the competition. My mom made me aware of it and I was pleasantly surprised, especially since this was the first time I had run indoors. Indeed, my hard work is paying off. Unfortunately, we don’t have indoor facilities or competitions back home in Namibia, as I believe there is more talent in the short sprints,” an excited De Sousa told New Era Sport.
She continued: “My current focus is to continue my training during this December break, working on my top-end speed. I have been out of competition due to injuries, but being on this side enabled me to get the best out of therapy, recovering and training. I’m not entirely where I need to be, but I believe in my consistency in preparing for upcoming competitions and managing my past injuries. I am on the right track. Based on my performance this past weekend, I automatically qualified for the Collegian Nationals that will be held somewhere in March 2023. I am equally excited about the outdoor season and believe I will qualify for the next Olympics. Everything is possible with Christ that strengthens me.”
Touching on her stay in the USA and how that has bolstered her career, the fast-as-lighting sprinter said it was the best choice of her life and career, as the results are starting to speak for themselves.
“Staying and practising in the US is undoubtedly paying off. I have access to the best facilities, support and training over here. My coach Kieran Showler-Davis is also a former sprinter from Carson-Newman and knows exactly what it takes to be a great performer; hard work and sheer determination. I’m currently doing a four-year degree in Exercise Science and after that, I want to specialise in Kinesiology or sports medicine. My aim is to go back home, apply my skills and training, and assist the upcoming athletes as we all know that our country has immense untapped talent.”
- ohembapu@nepc.com.na