From the school grounds of Arbor Primary School to the athletics track at Benoni Northerns Athletic Club, eight-year-old Lexi Smit is building a passion for running and dreaming big about what the future holds.

The club athlete is discovering the excitement of competition, the value of perseverance, and the satisfaction of improving her personal bests.

She is competing in the Central Gauteng Athletics sub-youth track and field season, where she hopes to qualify to represent the province at the Athletics South Africa championships in Potchefstroom in December.

Her love for athletics began with cross-country at school, where she discovered how much she enjoyed running and challenging herself. As her times improved, so did her excitement, inspiring her to continue developing her talent.

“I’ve always loved running. I love the feeling of running as fast as I can and seeing what I can achieve,” she said.

She said middle-distance running offers more than just an opportunity to run fast. She enjoys the mental challenge of pushing through difficult moments and finding the determination to keep going when fatigue sets in.

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“I enjoy challenging myself to keep going, even when I get tired,” Lexi explained. “I love the excitement of racing and trying to beat my personal best. Every race is a new challenge, and that’s what makes it so much fun.”

Behind the young runner’s growing enthusiasm are her family and coach, Nkanyiso Mthembu, who play important roles in her development.

Lexi credits her parents for their support and encouragement, while Mthembu continues to guide her as she learns the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance.

“They make me believe that even though I’m still young, I can achieve big things if I keep trying,” she said.

Being part of Benoni Northerns Athletic Club has given Lexi the opportunity to train alongside other young athletes who share her love for running, build friendships, and grow in confidence.

She enjoys the supportive club environment, where athletes encourage one another and celebrate their achievements together.

Whenever she steps onto the track, Lexi’s goal is to give her best and make her family, coach, and herself proud.

Her dreams are already reaching far beyond the local track.

“My biggest dream is to become one of the best runners and maybe one day represent South Africa and be on TV,” she said.

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