2025 National 35km Race Walk Champion & Continental Record Holder

When I started training with Coach Cobus in 2007, I wasn’t chasing medals or titles — I just wanted to be fit. I wanted to be that girl effortlessly running through the streets, strong and confident. But back then, I didn’t see myself as an athlete. In fact, I didn’t believe I could ever become one.

I’ll never forget my very first session on the track — a 400m run. I sprinted full-out, and by the halfway mark, I gave up and went home. Coach Cobus didn’t say a word. No judgement, no criticism. And strangely, that silence stayed with me. The very next day, I was back — and that quiet belief in me never left.

Under his guidance, I started training consistently and competing in school athletics and cross country. I wasn’t winning right away, but he always showed up, believed in me, and reminded me that “one day” it would all come together. That belief became a lifeline. In 2008, I won my first relay medal — and something lit up inside me. From then on, I wanted more.

It took time, but Coach Cobus never wavered. In 2011, I became the Junior National Champion in the 21.1km road race. That same year, I tried race walking for the first time, placing 4th at nationals. I made the full switch and by 2012, I was the Senior National Champion in the 20km race walk.

Life evolved — I took a break for pregnancy, ran two Comrades Marathons (earning a bronze and a Bill Rowan), and then returned to race walking with renewed purpose.

With Coach Cobus by my side, I achieved:

• 2023 National Senior Champion – 20km Race Walk

• 2024 National Silver Medalist – 20km Race Walk

• 5th Place – All African Games 2024

• World Race Walking Cup 2024 – Competed in 42km Relay

• 5th Place – African Championships 2024

• 2025 National Champion – 35km Race Walk (with a Continental Record)

• Qualified for the World Championships

Throughout it all, the biggest challenge wasn’t physical — it was believing in myself. And that’s where Coach Cobus made the greatest impact. He not only built me into an elite athlete physically, but mentally helped me discover who I truly am.

Whether I was a middle-distance runner, an ultra-marathoner, or a race walker — he supported every step. He never pushed me into a mold but walked the long road with me, always explaining the "why" behind every session, always answering questions, and always believing in the vision long before I could see it myself.

Coach Cobus isn’t just a coach — he’s a builder of people. I’m forever grateful for his patience, his belief, and his unwavering support. Here’s to many more years of chasing dreams, together.