Kai Hattingh, a Grade Eight learner at Leeuwenhof Akademie, finished an impressive 14th at the recent ASA 10km championships held during the  Championships..

The 14-year-old Nedbank Running Club athlete is competing in both 10km and 5km road races.

Her latest outing in Bloemfontein saw her secure 14th place in the 10km race, a result she says fuels her motivation.

Hattingh expressed excitement at qualifying for the national championships, calling it a major milestone in her young career.

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She has also competed against elite senior athletes in major events such as the Absa Run Your City Series and the SPAR Women’s Challenge.

“I was the only junior at my age, which was incredible, but also frightening, going up against some of these elites,” Hattingh said. “However, I finished second at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K. I’m a sponsored athlete, so I sometimes run in events organised by federations outside of CGA.”

Beyond running, Hattingh is a multi-talented sports performer. She is a gymnast with provincial colours and enjoys horse riding as well.

Last year, she clocked her personal best of 20:32 in the 5km during the final Brooks Campus Run in Randburg on December 1.

She also boasts victories in several events, including the Tommy Malone Memorial Race, the Jacaranda City Marathon 5km Challenge, and the Brooklyn Road Race 5km.