Every time Novâ Murray explodes out of the blocks, she carries more than just the hopes of a promising sprinting career. She carries the legacy of her uncle, Heugene’s resilience.

Heugene lost his leg after a calf operation performed by disgraced Benoni plastic surgeon Dr Luke Gordon went wrong. Despite this, he rebuilt his life through sport, representing SA in javelin and shot put at the 2011 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) championships in Christchurch.

The former bodybuilder’s journey from loss to leadership has become the compass guiding Novâ’s own pursuit for excellence on the track.

“My uncle was a Paralympian. He is a big motivation for me to fight to compete at the Olympics. I look up to him,” said Novâ.

The Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) sprinter strode towards her Olympic dream with a blistering 12.76 seconds to win heat three of the U18 women’s 100m sprint at the second CGA open track and field league meeting at Germiston Stadium on February 7. She finished third overall.

“It’s my first time running here. I was stressed because I didn’t know what to expect. I told myself that I wouldn’t chase my personal best. I ran my own race and came first in my heat. I’m really happy. It was a great race,” she said.

Reflecting on the race, the 15-year-old Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen Grade 10 learner stressed the importance of blocking out the noise and focusing on her own race.

“It was really important to me because if I look at what the others do, I would stress myself and not perform at my best. I’m just running my own race and trying to better my own times.”

Novâ started running in Grade Two, crediting her mom – a former athlete – for moulding her into the athlete she is. She established herself at school competitions and has represented Gauteng at three national championships.
“My mom trained me and I became faster. Athletics is a great sport. I love it,” she said.

“I went to the nationals three years in a row. Afterwards, I injured my hamstring and everything went downhill from there. I struggled with it for two years, but now I’m coming back strong.”

Fully recovered and with a legacy of courage driving her forward, the Brakpan resident has her sights on qualifying for next month’s ASA age-group champs.

“I’m taking it day by day because the one time I took everything, I became big-headed. I did everything, but I ended up injuring my hamstring. I was out for the whole season. I’m just taking it day by day and improving myself to be ready for the competitions in March.

“I’m going to keep working hard because my uncle was a star. He passed away a while ago. I’m doing this for him and myself.”

Also Read: BAC’s Steyn eyeing SA champs

Also Read: BAC celebrates 50 years of resilience and growth