The opportunity to represent South Africa and run together was a moment that will forever be cherished for Somerset West sisters Kyla Jacobs and Aynslee van Graan, who both performed remarkably well at the World Cross Country Championships held in Bathurst, Australia, on Saturday 18 February.
The sisters finished 37th and 38th, as Kyla pipped her sister Aynslee by just 10 seconds in a time of 36:49.
“I passed Aynslee just before the last lap,” said Jacobs. “I had no idea she was right behind me! I obviously passed a few more athletes and was so focused on crossing that finish line I only saw Aynslee was right behind me when I turned around! And how special to finish 37th and 38th out of 85 finishers! I knew it was going to be close, but not that close!”
It was also the first time in 10 years that Jacobs (28) and Van Graan (27) were on the same South African team; the last time the duo represented the SA junior team at the XC African Championships was in Cape Town in 2012.
Speaking about the Bathurst experience, Jacobs said the course proved to be as challenging as expected, living up to its reputation as the toughest one yet (“Somerset West cross-country sisters set to don the green and gold at world champs”, DistrictMail & Helderberg, 15 February). “I am very proud of our senior women’s team and I think it must be the best finish (top 3 in top 40) over the last couple of years.”
Asked what’s next in line, she said her focus is predominantly on the track this year and that her performance at the World XC champs is a good indicator of the potential for a very fast track season.
“I hope to run a few races in Europe in June and July, and also hope to qualify for the world 5 km road championship that will be held in October in Latvia. The SA champs is on Saturday 17 June.” Jacobs added her sister Aynslee arrived in SA from Australia last week, and the two were looking forward to one or two local track races together.
“It was very special to represent south Africa together and we will continue the sister battle on the track!”
