Young Ballito track star a force to be reckoned with
Amy Naude is ranked in the top four senior female athletes in South Africa.
Ballito’s top female track star has once again showed that she is a force to be reckoned with.
At the tender age of 17, Amy Naude competed at the All Africa Championships (AAC) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast recently against Africa’s best young athletes and won a bronze medal in the under 18 girls 400 metre event.
“Competing in the AAC was an absolutely incredible experience,” said Naude, who is ranked in the top four senior female athletes in South Africa.
“I have never competed in such a big stadium. The track was great and kept in good condition. I would 100 percent go back,” said the grade 11 pupil at Ashton International College.
The ambitious runner said she was thrilled to have achieved her best time for the season completing the 400 metre race in 53.83 seconds. Naude still holds the South African Schools record for girls under 15 and is preparing for the African Southern Region Championships where she set her personal best time last year.
“Over the years you learn that progress is progress and you are always one step closer to your goal than you were yesterday. I am still looking for a personal best this season. My coach, Victor Vaz, has a plan and is certain that I will achieve this goal.”
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She said running gave her pure joy.
“My training group often say that the track is our “zen”. It is our happy place. Running has changed my life and my life has become running.”
The consistent all-rounder was also awarded academic colours at Ashton and she is known for her dedication and focus to achieve and give her best.
“I am extremely grateful to my family and coach as they have always supported me in achieving my goals. I could not do it without them.”
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