Experienced athlete and an inspiration to many, Somerset West resident and race-walking masters athlete Edna Brand (72) will soon once again be lacing up her tackies to compete in this year’s World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden from August 13 to August 25.
She bagged an impressive silver medal in die 10km road race walk and a bronze medal in the 3 000m indoor track event at last year’s World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland, and this year she has her sights set on doing her best to make her country proud!
This year the skilled and robust race walker will be competing in the World Master Championships for the third time, but the fuels of excitement and lights of expectations shine no dimmer than before although she acknowledges the tough competition she will be up against. “This year there are many more entrants and many with excellent times, it is going to be absolutely tough to get a medal,” she explains.
On the training and preparation front she says an injury she sustained last year, put her out of action and training for five months but despite the lost time, she has bounced back and is ready to compete again.
In response to things becoming challenging as the years go by, she says ageing has not been a setback but in contrast, its been a welcome challenge. “I have not found training more difficult as I get older, it’s actually a lovely challenge, you just have to train with utmost dedication and consistency and learn from other athletes how to train better,” she says.
In addition to being dedicated to a strict training programme she additionally credits her top form to assistance from Strand Athletics Club in the form of a running partner and expert coaching advice. “I have never felt in better form, I have put in the hard work over the months and trust I will reap the benefits,” she confidently declares.
Past international competition was difficult due to absence of official sponsorship or funding assistance placing the pressure on her to source all the funds to cover all expenses and with this trip things have been no different. “Through fund-raising and donations and own financing as far as possible, I have been able to pay all the main costs, but any assistance is still welcome as there are still meals and travelling costs to be reckoned with,” she elaborates.
But despite these concerns she looks forward to joining the other 53 teammates of the South African team to represent her country on a global stage. “I am looking forward to doing my best which is ultimately better than being the best, to meet up with friends made at previous World Champs and also make new friends,” she says.
This year’s championships will see 111 countries competing and Ms Brand is adamant to make her mark on the track and road and hopefully fly the SA flag high by securing a position on the podium. Representing her country in the green and gold remains a huge accomplishment and an honour she will never take for granted.
“Although masters athletes get little or no recognition, and certainly no funding or support, it does not take away the pride one feels representing your country on a world stage, and having been blessed to stand on the podium and also having our countries anthem being played for was very emotional,” she concludes.
To donate to her trip contact her on 082 890 2024.
