Young athlete ready to conquer

Germiston Callies athlete, Kayla Gilbert, is hard at training and already gearing up for next year.

The 22-year-old athlete competes in the u-23 100m hurdles and long jump.

“I believe there is no time like now, if you keep postponing and procrastinating you will never get it done,” she said.

Gilbert’s eagerness was also motivated by her recent sponsor.

“Jotta Designs, in Edenvale, have just come on board as my sponsor and I really appreciate it,” said Gilbert.

“Among other things, they will be helping me with the purchase of extra supplements, protein shakes, sports gear and the correct food required for my fitness and training.

“It is one thing to be hard at work training but failing to succeed due to funds.

“It is motivating when people believe in you and help you achieve your goals.

“Thank you to Carlos Meixiera of Jotta Designs, he is among those who are helping make my dream a reality.”

Gilbert, said she might take a short recess in December but for now she trains Monday to Saturday.

“I go to the gym twice a week and other days I am on track,” she explained.

“To be a good athlete or to succeed in life you have to be focused and be confident in what you do, in how you look and feel.

“Give your best and if your best is not enough give your all but most of all work hard and enjoy it.”

Gilbert’s coach, Stephané Kotzé, is pleased with her progress.

“She has picked up weight, but just enough weight to build muscle which will be perfect for next year,” said Kotzé.

“She is a senior athlete and tough training is required to be a successful senior athlete.

“She has to be on the level of her competitors and even stronger and faster.

“She is making good progress and it is just the beginning of her training, I am very confident that she has what it takes to go to higher places.

“We are deeply grateful for her recent sponsorship because athletes are able to focus solely on their training and competitions and not on what they lack.

“It is good to have people who think about others and sponsor them.”

“At the rate things are going, I am looking forward to next year,” said Gilbert.

You might also be interested in:

Podium positions for Germiston Callies

Children learn about the spirit of the Olympics

Germiston Callies’ time trials are back