The first time that I started doing athletics it was when I was eight years old. The
thing that made me start doing it is because I was competing in a school
competition. Before I came to Ireland I ran for a club in South Africa. It was the
Northern Cape team. I participated in their club for a couple of years. I did sprints
mainly but I also enjoyed doing the long jump. I did numerous competitions and got
a certificate for my efforts. At one stage I was close to being in the state finals.The first time that I came to Moyle Park was in 2005. I was sad to leave my
homeland because I was so involved in life there, particularly athletics. At first
the only sports I did in Moyle Park was games in 1st year and P.E. with Mr O'Reilly.
I talked to him about my interest in athletics but I could not find a way to merge
it with my life in school. I still enjoy P.E. and use it to keep myself fit and
active.In Ireland I got to hear about the Donore Harriers Club. Located in a modern
new clubhouse on the banks of the river Liffey, in the scenic village of Chapelizod,
it is a dream location for athletics of all standards. It is not all about competition.
Within the club we have groups and individuals who are fun runners, who like to
go for a nice easy sociable run in The Phoenix Park, other members like to use
our gym, working out on free weights or machines. We also have an excellent
5 lane polyurethane track and infield equipped for sprint, distance, throwing and
jumping disciplines. I still love sprinting and train two days a week, Tuesday and ~
Thursday and I often go the club on Saturdays. On Sundays we have the races
and the competitions.
For instance, recenly we had club competitions against clubs in Tallaght and
Lucan. I did sprints. long jumps, shot put and hurdles. I just did the hurdles
and shot put for fun. But I take my sprinting very seriously. I won all of my races
and got gold medals for each of my competitions in the under-16 category. I am
waiting for the Leinster championships which will take place soon. I hope to add
to my collection of medals. If I do well in these competitions I will be able to
advance to the all-Ireland competitions. I have broken the Leinster record for
the 100 metre sprint and have my eyes on the Irish record for that distance.
My coach says that if I do well in the Leinsters, people will notice me and I can
develop my career in running. There are many coaches in the club and they
know that I have the speed and the ability to be a winner.I have to be careful of my legs that I do not injure myself. Now and again I get
hamstring injuries. It happens to all sprinters. But so far, thank God, I have not
had any serious injuries. Usain Bolt, the Olympic champion at 100 and 200
metres is my hero. If I keep working hard and keep fit, I may yet reach the
heights he has. At least that is my ambition.
