Eva Hanekom (11) is fast becoming one of the Southern Peninsula’s brightest sporting stars, earning a coveted spot to represent Western Province (WP) at the Athletics South Africa Club National Championship in Pretoria this weekend.

The excitement for her national debut reached a peak yesterday at the Green Point Athletics Track during the official WP Athletics Cross Country team meeting and kit handover, said her proud father, André Hanekom.

Winning streak

“It was a special occasion, with Brian Records and Tobias Philander sharing inspiring messages about the honour and pride of wearing the blue and white at nationals,” he said.

With one final week of fine-tuning ahead, Hanekom is focused on training, staying relaxed and enjoying the journey, he added.

Her hard work culminated in a dominant streak this season, during which she won all seven races in the 2026 WP Athletics Cross-Country Club League to secure the u-12 Girls Club league title. 

Running is in Hanekom’s blood, following the footsteps of her great aunt, who was a WP middle-distance runners, says Hanekom.

Running roots

Eva began competitive training at the age of nine, noting, “I have always loved sport, especially running, since I was little.”

Her versatility extends across multiple disciplines.

She also plays first-team hockey, mountain bikes and swims.

Her demanding weekly routine includes early Tuesday and Thursday morning squad sessions, Wednesday evening club time-trials, and Friday morning cross-country runs from school to the beach.

On Saturday 28 February, she won a bronze medal in the 1200m at the WP Athletics Championships in Blue Downs, earning her WP Schools Athletics colours.

She subsequently advanced to the Western Cape Championships.

“Thank you to her coaches, teachers, teammates, friends and everyone who continues to support and encourage her along the way,” Hanekom said.

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