Representing South Africa on the international stage remains the ultimate ambition for Brakpan middle-distance runner Cayde de Waal, who says earning national colours would be the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

The rising star, now based in the United States, knows a place in the national team will only come through consistent hard work, but insists it is a goal he is determined to achieve.

“I would cry if I were to get my colours. It would literally be a dream come true,” said De Waal.

“It’s always in the back of my mind. I know it’s possible, but it’s not going to come easy because South Africa has lots of good athletes.”

Already regarded as one of the country’s brightest middle-distance prospects before moving to the US in 2024, De Waal has elevated his performances in the highly competitive collegiate system. He initially competed for Indian Hills Community College before transferring to Illinois State University, where he has continued his rapid development.

Since making the move abroad, the Hoërskool Oostelig alumnus has lowered his personal bests in the 800m, 1 500m, 3 000m and the mile. His 800m best has improved from 1:52.41 to 1:50.61, while he slashed his previous 1 500m best from 4:26.34 to an impressive 3:48.17. He has also trimmed more than 11 seconds off his 3 000m personal best to 8:43.39 and now boasts a mile best of 4:08.21.

Despite those remarkable improvements, the All-American believes there is still plenty of room for growth.

Also Read: De Waal’s star continues to shine in US

“I always want to get better,” he said. “Knowing that I’m already among the country’s best middle-distance athletes gives me confidence and reminds me that making the national team is possible.”

De Waal returned to local competition for the first time in almost three years at the fifth CGA cross-country league meeting at Kwa-Thema Stadium on July 4, where he matched strides with leading distance runners Kabelo Mulaudzi and Gladwin Mzazi in the senior men’s 4km race.

He believes racing in South Africa provides the perfect preparation for the American collegiate season.

“Cross country in SA makes you tough,” he explained. “In the US it’s not easy, but it’s definitely easier because most courses are on golf courses. Here you’ve got zigzags, steep climbs and very technical courses.

“It makes the 8km races in the US feel a lot easier. That’s one of the reasons I came back — to remind myself what I’ve dealt with so that I’m well prepared when I return.”

His return also highlighted a noticeable shift in mentality.

“Two years ago I probably would have come here hoping for a top-10 finish. This time I came here wanting to win. It didn’t happen, but that’s the mindset I have now. I’ve raced against athletes who are stronger and faster, so I knew I had a chance. I put myself in the race and pushed.”

Although victory eluded him, the performance reinforced his belief that he belongs among South Africa’s elite.

“I’ve raced against the country’s best athletes like Kabelo before, and this was probably the closest I’ve ever been to him. I need to keep reminding myself that I can compete with the top guys. I’m just as good and just as capable. It all comes down to how badly I want it.”

Also Read: Cross-country can be a spectacle, says De Waal