BHAC runner itching to represent SA in Olympics

Benoni High Athletic Club (BHAC) athlete Kevin Hickley believes the CGA’s elite junior men middle-distance runners could bring SA its first world athletics championships medal, after the country’s podium famine stretched to four consecutive events following last year’s finals in Budapest.

Hickley explained the athletes, including Cornè de Fouw, national 5km champion Zenzile Pheko and Johannes Marepe, as well as his BHAC teammate Matthew Mackay, are strong and always push each other to succeed.

“I feel like there’s something. Like when the commentators say grit and grind, we always want to win. Our mindset is strong. When we stand at the start, we want to win. With that kind of mindset, we can do it for SA,” he said.

While Hickley waits for an opportunity to earn his national colours, his perfect start to the provincial track season received a cherry on top when he was named in the organisation’s provisional team for the ASA 10km championships next month.

He started the season with aplomb, accumulating two podium finishes in two league meetings, which resulted in the CGA management including him in the 11-men strong junior men interim team comprising the province’s best upcoming talent.

“I love athletics. It all started back when I was in Grade Four. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen in the future because I’ve been running really good times,” said Hickley.

Challenges

But at just the age of 18, the Hoërskool Hans Moore matriculant has already experienced his fair share of setbacks and glory.

There was the injury setback late last year as he was getting to his peak. He also had to watch age-group competitors De Fouw and Pheko rake in wins and make a name for themselves on the national stage, knowing well that, he too, deserved the honour.

Then there is the glory. It may be not in the form of major championships but Hickley overcame his injuries in time for the track season and has been in fine form with season’s bests of 2:00 in the 800m and 15:14 in the 5 000m, which have caught the attention of the CGA head honchos.

He’s also won multiple gold medals for his school in the middle distance events in the high schools track and field meets.

“I’m in the best form of my life. I’m running good times, just on base training. I now want to see where I’ll be at when I start doing speed work,” he said.

Future

Hickley said his coach’s vision is for him to peak when he’s at university, which will prepare him well for national events but his ultimate goal is running in the Diamond League and representing the country in the Olympic Games.

Hickley thanked his coach, Richard O’Donoghue for his training sessions, which he said were crucial to his improvement.

“I want to see where my limit is which will hopefully open doors for me. I want to run with the big guys in the Diamond League and see if I can go to the Olympics. But I’m going to need support. I’m thankful to my coach, Richard O’Donoghue and my parents for their support,” he said.

“It’s not easy getting up in the morning or going for your run in the afternoon. But when you know what you want, you put on shoes and hit the road. I’m excited for the future.”

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