After taking part in the 2km race in her previous two leagues, Chelsea van Dyk delivered a timely reminder to her rivals that the U14 girls’ 4km is her race with a solid, dominant performance at the last CGA cross-country league meeting in Brakpan on July 26.
Van Dyk put in a commanding display that featured grit, resilience, and unmatched focus, tearing through the two-lap course in 14:49, bursting clear of Langaville AC’s Zanele Mzizi who crossed the line in second place in 15:46.
The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) athlete’s showing at Charl Baard Stadium laid the platform for an interesting race at the provincial championships in Germiston on August 16.
While the challenge is going to come from all angles, with the likes of Mzizi, Nedbank’s Boipelo Maroga, and Natalie Strydom of Kempies showcasing incredible form all season, Van Dyk’s goal is clear.
“It’s always going to be defending my title and ensuring I’m dominant,” she said.
Afterwards, the two-time national champion will focus on defending her title at the ASA cross-country championships in Middelburg, where she will likely face a strong challenge from the likes of Athletics Vaal Triangle’s (AVT) Xander Harris.
Before that, however, the 14-year-old St Dunstan’s College Grade Eight learner will earn her national colours when she represents the country at the Confederation of School Sport of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in Eswatini from August 26 to 31.
“I’m very excited. It won’t only be my first time running internationally; it will also be my first time representing South Africa. Although it’s not the whole of Africa, it’s still bigger than what I’ve ever done. It’s very fulfilling,” Van Dyk said.
Though the COSSASA Games are just a taste of competing on an international stage, the Central Gauteng athlete understands that most professional athletes use such events as stepping stones to bigger stages like the Olympic Games.
“Obviously, you have small goals and stepping stones to get to your final goal. That’s definitely my goal. That’s at the top.”
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