Hermia Norman dug deep on a gruelling Curro Hazeldean course, drawing inspiration from her late father and coach, Everon, to race to a memorable silver medal at the ASA Cross Country Championships in Pretoria on September 5.

The Reiger Park runner produced a composed performance in the U11 girls’ 3km, overcoming rolling hills, steep climbs, sand, mud and a water jump to finish second behind Central Gauteng teammate Mila Scholtz.

Visibly emotional after crossing the finish line, Norman said she felt her late father was watching over her as she secured her first national podium.

“He was watching over me. One day I will come and achieve his dream of seeing me win a national title,” she said.

Norman started conservatively, choosing to remain in the chasing bunch rather than respond to Scholtz’s early surge.

At the 1km mark, she was fourth in a chasing group about 50m behind Scholtz, who had already begun to establish a sizeable lead.

Norman bided her time before launching her attack after the gravel section, gradually picking off runners to move into second.

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Scholtz crossed the line in a dominant 10:41.89, with Norman stopping the clock at 11:04.45 and Elmone Naudè completing the podium in 11:09.

Norman also contributed to Central Gauteng’s team bronze alongside Scholtz, Gabrielle Minnie and Benoni Northerns’ Alexia Visser.

“I tried to fight for first place, but the other side of the course was challenging. There were rocks and I was barefoot, so I had to drop the pace slightly. I then built it up in the closing stages and this was enough to secure the silver.

“I am happy. It was worth it. Our goal was to try and win my first national title, but we are happy with this second place and the silver,” she said.

Despite falling short of her ultimate goal, Norman believes her performance in Pretoria is proof that a national title is within reach.

“I didn’t expect to be second. I thought I would finish in sixth place. I’m very proud of myself. Like I said, I’m going to build on it.”

The young Central Gauteng athlete also hopes her achievement inspires other youngsters in Reiger Park to choose sport over the violence and substance abuse affecting the community.

“My message to them is to never give up. Don’t be in the streets where the violence happens in our community. They must never give up. One day, they will achieve their dreams,” she said.

Elsewhere, Jasmine Jooste finished 14th in the U12 girls’ 3km in 11:31.45, while her brother Adriano placed 35th in the U10 boys’ 2km in 07:44.13.

Also Read: Jooste and Norman keep late coach's dream alive