Jennah on track for more success

Meet Jennah Jacobs, a 13-year-old cycling sensation from Brackenhurst making waves in the track cycling world.

Recently, she achieved remarkable success at the South African National Track Championships in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. She competed in the U15 girl’s category and won gold in all seven categories in which she participated.

The Alberton Record caught up with the cyclist and chatted about her love for cycling and her plans.

For the love of cycling

Jennah’s cycling journey began in 2021, and despite a challenging start marked by a hard fall, she quickly fell in love with the sport. In 2021, she competed in the Gauteng Championships, and from there on, the rest is history.

She competes in mountain biking and road and track cycling. She won track and road cycling at the SA Championships. That same year, she competed in the SA XCO competition and earned second place for mountain biking.

In 2022, she continued her winning streak, securing gold across all disciplines at the Gauteng and SA Championships. She also ensures she competes in every local race.

For her, cycling isn’t just about winning; it is about the exhilaration of speed and the mental clarity it brings.
She describes cycling as a way to clear her mind and solve problems, enjoying the rush of adrenaline that comes with each race.

Challenges for her include occasionally falling to the ground, but she said you just get back up and try again. She most likes the challenges.

“Yes, it is an expensive sport, but it brings so much joy,” she said.

Supported by her father, Eugene, her mother, Rhodé, and coach, Jeremy Martins, Jennah dedicates six days a week to training, including regular sessions on the track to refine her skills.

Her plans

Her ultimate goals are to become a professional cyclist and pursue studies in paediatrics.

Recognising the limited track cycling opportunities in SA, Jennah dreams of competing internationally, starting with European competitions in August.

She draws inspiration from athletes like Pauline Sophie Grabosch, a German track cyclist, admiring her dedication and achievements on the world stage.

“I also look up to Tatjana Schoenmaker, an SA professional swimmer,” she said.

Outside of cycling, Jennah is a multi-talented girl. She plays the violin, piano, and block flute (recorder), alongside doing cross-country running and swimming.

Despite her busy schedule, Jennah values quality time with her family and friends, highlighting the importance of balancing sports, academics, and her social life.

“I also enjoy travelling and sleep. Yes, whenever I get the chance to sleep, I take it.”

She is eager to represent SA at the Junior World Competitions in the coming years.

This and that

Jennah was born in Parklane Hospital and raised in Alberton.

She finished primary school at Leeuwenhof Akademie and is currently a learner at Helpmekaar College.
Something not many know about her is that she is too outspoken.

“I stand up for what is right and will always tell the truth.”