Brakpan athlete receives SA colours
She is hoping to be able to compete on a world stage one day.
Last year, Brakpan’s Azel de Villiers made competitors in masters athletics sit up and take notice as she put on quality performances at the African Championships, where she won 10 medals.
She recently followed this up with more big achievements at the South African Masters Championships in Potchefstroom.
De Villiers brought home one gold medal (weight throw), six silver and one bronze from the event.
She earned herself national colours for weight throw.
“I had to keep the momentum going after African Championships,” she said.
“I have to try and keep my performances at the same level.”
This means she has now qualified to compete at the world championships in Sweden.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have the funding to go there so I don’t have the means this time,” said de Villiers.
“Maybe in future I will try to get sponsorship to go to future world championship meetings. Unfortunately not this time.”
Despite not going to Sweden, she plans on working hard.
“For me, it’s about working on my strength so I’m going into my winter training to make sure I’ve got my strength and fitness,” the athlete told the Brakpan Herald.
“In August we’ll start with the new season. The goal there will be the next provincial championships then South African championships.”
The local athlete has her eyes set on achieving new personal bests at those events.
“I’m looking to get SA colours for the hammer throw,” she said.
De Villiers has previously told the Herald about her love for athletics.
“It’s my passion, I’ve always loved athletics,” she said.
She has been involved in masters athletics since 2018 and is hoping that she will be able to compete on a world stage one day.
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