Masters athletes off to Brazil
KZN masters athletes set for world champs.
AS sports writers and people we are often guilty of indulging in clichés. For example, we talk about ‘everybody being on the same page’ or ‘giving a 110 per cent’. Alas I must confess to using one here, but I believe it’s wholly warranted and deserved, ‘inspirational’. It best sums up the team of eight KZN masters athletes who will represent South Africa at the World Masters Athletics Championship in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Among them are several record breakers, for example, 90-year-old, Lucas Nel, who still holds 10 SA records ranging from the 100m to 5000m races. Nel has been to a few masters champs winning 11 gold, four silver and two bronze.
“There’s no secret to staying fit, it’s all about being positive. I’ve been training hard and I’m hoping to win a medal,” Nel said.
Another man recognised as the most decorated SA masters athlete is Andrzej Rzepecki. The former Polish national holds 13 SA records, one world record (in the heavythrow) and three gold medals at other world champs.
“It’s unbelievable. I’ve been more successful at the masters level than when I was younger. We have a strong team and I’m confident we can make Durban and SA proud,” he enthused. The 77-year-old’s wife, Jana Rzepecki, is also no stranger to records, holding a SA record in the discus throw.
Stanger’s Yacoob Motala, who ran the 100m in 10.4 seconds, in his school days he reminds me, is looking forward to his first world champs. “I’ve been involved in the SA masters champs but never with anything on this scale. My focus has been Brazil since the start of the year so I hope to do my best,” he said.
Mike Schroeder (47) describes himself as a ‘seasoned athlete’. The Umbilo resident holds two world bronze medals in the 400m and the 4x100m race.
“There’s a good possibility of bringing home a medal. I’ve studied all the athletes in my age group and looked at their competition times, it’s important to know your opponents,” he said.
Johan Labushagne, who played Currie Cup rugby for the Pumas, is no stranger to the athletics world. Not only does he have his SA colours in Ringball (Korfball), but he is the current SA masters champ in the shotput (40-44 age category).
“Competition is stiff at the world champs but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to,” he said.
