Young athlete dreams of being a world champ
A young athlete, Banele Shabangu (11) has huge aspirations of being a professional track and field runner.
Banele, who is a grade six at Mountain View Primary School, said she had a lot of fun running.
Asked why she likes athletes, Banele said it was because she liked being active all the time. Her lifelong favourite was middle-distance world champion and Olympian Caster Semenya. When asked why she says, “because of what she does on the track fields”.
“One day I wish to be like Caster and travel the world doing what I
love – running. This passion started when I was six years old. I will continue to run until I achieve my dream of becoming a professional athlete one day,” comments Banele, who has already won over 20 medals.
She is also a smart young girl, and does well academically when she applies herself. Her favourite subject is mathematics.
Banele’s mom, Eunice Shabangu, loves what sport offers her daughter. “It keeps her fit and out of trouble,” she says. “It’s important that she learns to be a team player. With a lot of hard work and dedication, I believe she will achieve her dreams.”
