Eleven-year-old Eva Hanekom from Fish Hoek Primary School has celebrated an unforgettable cross-country season.

She recently secured her winning streak after conquering all seven races in the 2026 Western Province Athletics Cross-Country League and securing the Western Province U-12 Girls Club Championship title.

Season of victories

Competing for Fish Hoek Athletics Club, Hanekom completed a perfect season with seven wins from seven races, finishing with victory in League 7 on a tough, hilly grass course in warm conditions.

“Her first race in new spikes was no easy test,” said her proud father, André Hanekom.

“A tough, hilly grass course and warm conditions challenged every athlete, but Eva dug deep and ran with the determination, courage and heart we’ve come to admire every time she steps onto a start line

Her latest achievement contributes to an already impressive young sporting career.

Sporting career

Eva began competitive training at just 9 years old and has quickly established herself as one of the Southern Peninsula’s most promising young athletes.

“I have always loved sport, especially running, since I was little,” she said.

Athletic prowess runs in the family. Eva follows in the footsteps of her great aunt, a middle-distance runner and former Western Province team member.

Previously, she represented the Cape Metro Western Province cross-country team in 2024 and 2025, competing in the prestigious Western Cape Championships on both occasions.

Earlier this year Eva earned a bronze medal in the 1 200 m category, in the Western Province Athletics Championships, held in Blue Downs on Saturday 28 February.

At that event, she was awarded WP Schools Athletics colours and went on to represent WP Schools Athletics at the Western Cape Championships.

Her dad commended Eva’s coach, Bradley Trout and the community at the Fish Hoek Athletics Club for their unwavering support in her training.

“A huge thank you to Coach Brad and everyone at Fish Hoek Athletics Club for their guidance, encouragement and unwavering support throughout the season. We are incredibly grateful to be part of such a special athletics family.”

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