Vredenburg resident Douglas Hector, speed-race walking veteran recently got back from the Gothenburg World Championship in Sweden, where he competed in the 5 000 m and 10 km speed-race walking in the men’s 60-64 age group from 12 to 25 August.
He was placed 16th in the 5 000 m race walk event and 14th in the 10 km which puts him in the top 20 in the world, and boasts two diplomas from the World Masters Athletics following his achievements at the championships.
Hector was also the first and only South African to cross the line in his respective events which, he said, makes him the current African and South African champion, a record that will stand for two years, or longer if not broken at the next tournament in 2026 in Korea.
Hector was the only masters athlete from the West Coast district to compete in the tournament. He was part of a team of approximately 30 athletes, who represented their club, province and country in various events in Sweden. There were 109 countries at the championship, and according to Hector he competed against the best in the world, among them Olympians who had come straight from the Paris Olympics to compete in the championship.
Hector was an active and successful athlete in his earlier days for the Boland Province Masters Athletics Association before joining the Western Province Masters Athletics Association. He is involved in coaching junior, senior and masters athletes in race walking, and is extremely fit.
Over the years he achieved various medals in gold and silver in various South African championships and clocked excellent walking times. He takes his sport extremely seriously.
This, notwithstanding facing two major stomach surgeries in May and November 2023. He recovered quite well, receiving a clean bill from his doctor, and was back on the track not long after.
Hector is currently a member of the Casuarina Athletics Club in Cape Town.
His philosophy has always been “hard work delivers excellent results”, and says speed-race walking is all about technique and commitment.
Athletes or anyone wishing to excel and perform in race walking must feel free to contact Hector on 072 383 0519.
