Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 116, March 2019

KALMER’S CORNER Our Modern Athlete Brand Ambassador’s Blog By Rene Kalmer GOLDEN OLDIES A trip down memory lane can spark dreams of things to come, as I found out this month while watching my young athletes in action on the track. under-17 race, but it was a great stepping stone to gaining experience. In fact, I was super impressed with my silverware, because just a year before that I barely made my school’s athletic team, when we were three girls battling to break five minutes for the 1500m. When the Inter High came around, only two athletes per age group could represent the school at the meeting, so I stepped up to run against the under- 19s to give all of us an opportunity to compete… Come a Long Way I have weekly dates with the athletes where we ‘bond’ over a few sit-ups, push-ups and planks. I’m also constantly busy collecting old running shoes for the young athletes. It is a great way for me to give my pre-loved adidas kit a second life, and I’m also very grateful for my fellow teammates from Murray & Roberts who are always willing to pay it forward with running shoes and kit. For most of these kids, it is their first time owning a brand- name t-shirt or pair of tights, and it is priceless to see the gratitude on their faces. A Familiar Face I recently went to support ‘my kids’ at the annual Inter High Competition at the Herman Immelman Stadium in Germiston, and I was beyond proud of the Vories who made a clean-sweep in all the middle- and long-distance events. It was also at this meeting where I bumped into an old rival and good friend, Rhode Snyman. We could not believe that it was exactly 24 years ago that we battled it out in the 1500m at the 1995 SA Junior Championships on this same track. Rhode won that race and I finished second with a new PB of 4 minutes 28 seconds, if I remember correctly. I was only 14 years old and had to run in the 16 ISSUE 116 MARCH 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za In primary school, I just loved watching athletics, and I envied all the kids that could run fast, or jump far or high. I tried out all the events, but never made it past the inter-house meeting. Still, I fell in love with distance running at the age of 10 when I ran my first cross country race, and even though I finished 42nd, I loved every minute of that 2km race. Small goals motivated me in those early years of my running career, like making a B-team, or running for ice-lollies, a T-shirt or a towel. In the late 80’s (now I feel really old), I often joined my future parents in law to support my best friend (and future sister-in-law), also named Rene, when she competed at Transvaal Championships and other big meets. “Imagine if one day I could also compete here,” I thought. I also had a poster up in my room of Elana Meyer (then Van Zyl), and could never have dreamed that one day I would myself be a two-time Olympian with little girls looking up to me. Thanks for the Memories However, I can honestly say that for me running has never been about the medals and achievements. Yes, of course the recognition is great, but it has always been about a sincere love for running. I love getting up in the mornings to go train, I love going to weird and wonderful races and places. I am very privileged to have been able to make my absolute passion my fulltime job. Being a professional athlete is the most fulfilling thing that could have happened to me, and I still enjoy every moment of it. A trip down memory lane is a good time to reflect on what has happened over the years, to think back on all the hard work, early mornings, sacrifices and disappointments, but also remember all the highlights, travel experiences and friendships made over the years. It is also a time to set new goals, thinking of the next chapters and what they may hold for me. My story continues… F or the past three years I have been very fortunate to play the role of mentor and mom for 40 athletes from the Vorentoe Running Academy. These athletes stay in a renovated classroom at the school and are sponsored by Murray & Roberts, and they are coached by their principal, Mr Hans Saestadt. Over the years they have won more than 50 national titles and are also the current Noord Vaal Cross Country Champions. The week after bumping into Rhode, I took a nostalgic jog down memory lane of the past three decades of my running career. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that two years after my first appearance at a National Championship, running in that race against Rhode, that I would win the SA Senior 1500m title at the age of just 16, clocking another PB of 4:16. All I can say is that God works in mysterious ways!

Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 116, March 2019 | Page 16