Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) sprinter Taylah Cobbett has wasted no time in announcing herself on the CGA stage, launching her first track and field season with a clear message of intent.

The explosive teenager opened her campaign in emphatic fashion, producing standout performances in both the 100m and 200m to underline that she is not just participating this season – she is here to make a statement.

“It’s my first club meet. I wanted to make a statement. I want to be seen. I want to be known. I know I have to push myself the hardest so that I can get good times and hopefully go to the national championships,” she said.

Cobbett started off with a blistering 12.41 seconds to win the U18 women’s 100m, before clocking 25.56 seconds in the 200m at the opening league meeting on January 31.

She claimed her second 100m victory in the second league meeting on February 7, when she clocked 12.51. She was second again in the 200m after finishing the race in 26.24 seconds.

Behind the fast times is a story of discipline and sacrifice, with Cobbett spending her off-season and school holidays grinding on the track, fine-tuning her technique and sharpening her speed. That unseen work is translating into results, suggesting her breakthrough season may only just be getting started.

“I wasn’t doing too well. But I knew I had the power to do it. I trained throughout the off-season and holidays. I felt the times dropping, and I knew I could push myself harder and get them down. I’m happy I’m able to do that. All my hard work is paying off.”

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Though the St Dunstan’s College learner has provincial championships experience after qualifying for the Gauteng Schools track and field championships last year, the athlete is yet to step on the podium. That could change this season, however, with the in-form sprinter targeting top-three finishes at both the schools and club provincial showpieces.

“Last year, I made it to the Gauteng schools championships. My goal is to make the top three. For clubs, the competition is tough. I want to go as far as I can because it’s my first time competing for clubs,” said Cobbett.

While the sprinter drew her initial inspiration from her parents, who were both sprinters, it was the reassurance and support of coach Michael van Aswegen that sparked Cobbett’s belief in herself and unlocked her confidence on the track.

“My parents got me into athletics. They were sprinters. I did distance running in primary school. I only started taking the sport seriously last year.

“Coach Michael has inspired me. I think he saw in me that I can go far. He’s been pushing, helping and supporting me. He’s reassured me that I can go far and I know I can.

“I’m taking it bit by bit because it’s still quite new to me. I know where I am. I’m going to keep pushing myself and taking seconds off my times. I want to push myself as much as I possibly can,” she said.

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