JOY at receiving recognition for the hard work he put into his career is the underlying feeling for runner Mariano Eesou after being named Bestmed Madibaz male athlete of the year.
The award came following a season in which the 27-year-old long-distance ace showed his ability at the University Sport SA championships, taking the bronze medal in the 21.1km race and silver in the 10km cross-country event.
He was also one of Nelson Mandela University’s most successful athletes in a number of provincial and national road races this year. As he eyes a move up to the marathon distance next year, the sport management student said he’d been focused on improving his personal best times.
“Under coach Karen Zimmerman the aim was to build confidence for my marathon debut next year,” said Eesou, who grew up in Uitenhage but now lives in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. Being crowned the Madibaz male athlete of the year is a reminder of how hard I have worked and a great reward for all the sweat and tears behind the scenes.”
Eesou said it was always his dream to become a top achiever in his chosen sport. He adds that a major turning point for him came when he was part of the silver medal-winning half-marathon team at the 2017 World Student Games.
“That gave me the motivation, courage and confidence to work harder to achieve my goals and objectives.”
As he switches his focus to the longer race next year, when he will also graduate, Eesou said there were a number of factors on which he will concentrate.
“I have a lot of gratitude for people such as [athletics manager] Nellis Bothma, [coaches] Karen Zimmerman and the late Perry Beningfield. In addition, my family always offered me encouragement when I thought of quitting and my friends have helped me to stay in the right lane.”
