STAR field athlete Ischke Senekal from Uitenhage was honoured with a top award when she was crowned Sportswoman of the Year at the Madibaz Sport gala awards evening in Port Elizabeth.
The Bestmed Madibaz Athletics Club member bagged numerous shot put and discus gold medals this year at events that included the USSA championships, Varsity Athletics meetings and the national track and field champs.
“The award means a lot to me as I’ve worked hard to reach the heights I set for myself. It also showed me that my goals made me win that title,” said Ischke, a former Brandwag High School learner.
The 25-year-old also won national colours at the IAAF World Cup in London and claimed gold for shot put and bronze for discus at the African Senior Championships.
Senekal, a second-year education honours student and Grade 2 teacher at Ankervas Primary School, added that she had achieved most of her goals. She wanted to be the SA and USSA champion again, as well as to finish in the top three at the African champs.
“One thing I didn’t achieve was a shot put record, but I was a little far behind. It’s one of my goals for next season.”
Her best memories from this year included going to the world cup where she placed fourth, becoming African champion for discus and competing in the continental cup.
“It was a great moment and honour to represent my continent in the Czech Republic,” said Senekal.
Senekal attributed her success to three key factors in her life – her family, coach and supporters.
“These are people who have wished me success and have honoured it. They make me believe I can do anything I put my mind to, while guiding me through difficult times.
“My coach Kobus van Zyl is the most amazing man. He believes in me, especially when I doubt myself. He will always have positive things to say and know that I can achieve everything no matter how big the dream is,” she said.
Van Zyl was also the one who discovered her when she was 16 at Brandwag High. He saw her competing, walked over to Senekal’s mother and told her that he could make her a SA champion, which she became shortly afterwards. Her goals for next year include becoming SA champion for the 5th year in a row, competing in a world cup and participating in a European season. – REPORTER
