Pepler leads CGA junior women’s charge at champs

She was the first CGA athlete at the finish line.

3 hours ago

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Kiana Pepler has already set her sights on next year’s championships.

Kiana Pepler believes that sharpening her mental strength and keeping her focus on her race will be key if she is to mount a serious challenge for the junior women’s 6km title at next year’s national cross-country championships.

The 18-year-old finished 15th overall at this year’s edition in Middelburg, clocking a flat 25:00 to lead the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) home in the junior women’s race.

Kiana Pepler is followed by Athletics Gauteng North’s Jade Hartzenberg.

“I have to not get my head in if I’m getting tired because it seems to push me back a lot. But I need to improve on keeping up the cadence and keep going, no matter what’s in front of me and who passes me,” she said.

After a blistering start set by Athletics Gauteng North’s (AGN) Mpho Katiso, Lara van der Merwe and Omaatla Dikao, with Athletics Central North West’s (ACNW) Andrea Steynberg and Anele Ndawonde of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) slightly behind, the Benoni Harriers athlete tucked into the chasing pack and impressed on the steep climbs and sharp descents of the demanding course.

But as the race wore on, the CGA champion faded slightly, losing touch in the final lap as AGN’s Van der Merwe powered to victory in 22:55. Ndawonde was second in 23:03, and Steynberg took the bronze in 23:24.

“It was tough, especially on the hills, and the dryness made it worse because I struggled to breathe. Overall, it was a tough race,” Pepler said.

Kiana Pepler finished her race in 15th position.

Asked what kept her going when it got tough on the three-lap race, she said it was the thought of representing her province with pride and proving to herself that she could finish strong despite the pain.

“I got the strength from all the setbacks I’ve had. It was also the mentality to keep going. My strength on the hills also helped me a lot, and I now know where I can push the hardest.”

The Middelburg championships arrived exactly a year after the Hoërskool Hans Moore matriculant suffered a devastating injury at last year’s cross-country champs in the Vaal.

Though she feared she wouldn’t even qualify for the nationals, she credited her teammates’ support during recovery for helping her make it back to the start line.

“I want to thank my teammates and coach Richard O’Donoghue for pushing me through the six months of recovery and ensuring I came back stronger. It means a lot.

“I didn’t think I would qualify for the nationals. It’s been a tough year of ups and downs. But I’m happy to be back. I’m stronger than ever, mentally and physically.”