Justine adjusts her sights ahead of Olympics qualification
The athlete will look to qualify for the 200m and 400m events
ESHOWE sprint queen Justine Palframan is remaining positive and upbeat during the Covid-19 pandemic, and working harder than ever to achieve her goal of qualifying for the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The 27-year-old athlete, who represented Team South Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games, will look to qualify for the 200m and 400m events.
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‘Just before President Ramaphosa announced the national lockdown, I was training for the South African Senior Championships in Pretoria and the South African Student Championships in Bloemfontein, hoping to qualify for the forthcoming Olympics,’ said Justine.
‘Unfortunately, both events were cancelled owing to Covid-19, which then halted and affected my training schedule.’
Palframan, who is based in Stellenbosch while completing her Master’s degree in Sports Science, told the ZO she is fortunate to live on a farm, which allows her acres of space to train during lockdown.
With all athletic events cancelled for the rest of the year, Palframan will only have a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games as of 1 December.
‘Even if some events do take place later this year, we can compete but not qualify for the South African team.
‘As of 1 December we can qualify, so we are looking at the December/January window to meet the necessary criteria.’
The Maties Athletics Club runner clocked personal best times of 51.27 in the 400m and 22.83 in the 200m, and boasts a number one SA ranking for the 200m.
‘There are two ways to qualify for the Olympics,’ Justine explained.
‘The first is to meet the correct times which are 22.80 for the 200m and 51.35 for the 400m, or qualify with the points system.’
Athletes compete at a number of events throughout the season, and their performances and times earn them points, which could allow for qualification.
‘It has been difficult to stay motivated during this period, but thanks to great communication with my coach and knowing the way forward and goals we are working towards, this helps to keep you focused and pumped.’
Justine will look to call time on her professional career after the 2021 Olympic Games, or a year after, depending on her form.
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