The Strandlopers coach and an athlete were recently both crowned 800 m national champions.
Clive Cupido earned three championship medals at the annual South African Masters Athletics (SAMA) Championship at Pilditch in Pretoria from 5 to 7 May. Leander Pholman became the u-17 400 m and 800 m Elsen South African champion and his coach Cupido got a silver running the 400 m (1.01.19), gold 800 m (2.18.92), 1 500 m (4.50.11) and pole-vault (2 m).
Leander, with a personal best of 1.58.2 in the 800 m and 50.5 in the 400 m, has plenty of potential and is an athlete to keep an eye on
“Socialising and interaction with friends and family are a critical principal part to ensure that any athlete, player or team has positive mental attitude,” Cupido said.
He believes athletes run their own race, not someone else’s race, something that’s important to understand. “If you improve your previous time you have achieved your goal for the day.” He adds barefoot running ensures one uses the maximum amount of muscle to drive the body forward.
Strandlopers’ track team is currently running in the West Coast cross-country league to build strength and stamina in the winter season. “Athletics are a 365-days-a-year activity and a strict-discipline code is required. Whatever the athlete puts in they will get out.”
