Field athlete Ischke Senekal, formerly from Kariega, relied on more than a decade’s international experience when she made her debut at the World Athletics Championships this week.
The 29-year-old shot put star joined Madibaz Athletics Club colleague Luxolo Adams in the South African team for the high-profile meeting in Eugene, Oregon, in the United States from July 15 to 24.
Adams, also made his first appearance at the event. He blitzed his way to victory in the 200m race in a Diamond League meeting in Paris last month.
Senekal entered her maiden world championships as the reigning African shot-put champion after grabbing gold at the African Championships in Mauritius last month.
She made her first appearance on the big stage at the African Junior Championships in Botswana in 2011 and felt the experience she had gained since then would stand her in good stead.
Senekal felt her selection was a reward for the hard work she had put into her career and acknowledged the guidance she received from coach Kobus van Zyl.
“Whatever I do or achieve would not be possible without his support and knowledge,” she said. “When I win a medal, it is not ‘my medal’ but ‘our medal’,” said Senekal.
“To represent my country at the world championships for the first time is a huge honour and it has been one of my top long-term career goals.
“I have learnt that you should never give up, no matter how hard and bumpy the road ahead looks. Put your head down and grind through those challenges and obstacles because, in the end, you will be better and tougher,” said Senekal.
