Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 122, September 2019 | Page 38

FREQUENT
FLYER
Of all the books in the world, the best stories are held in
the pages of a passport. Having visited 17 countries so far
in my race walking career, I have been blessed to see and
experience quite a few of the amazing sites and cultures of
our world.
T
ravelling is one of my favourite things to do, and although I prefer doing it
by going on holiday with the people in my life that I love, all of my overseas
travelling was thanks to sport. Every single one of those 17 countries I
visited was because of race walking, so I think you will understand why I speak
about my gratitude for my walking talent, because it has taken me all over
the world to experience things that I would probably never have experienced
otherwise.
Preferred Destinations
Now we all know that sitting on a plane for 18 hours is by no means all glitz and
glamour, and recovering from (or worse, training with) jetlag even less so, but I have
made so many incredible memories on my travels that will stay with me for my
lifetime! I’d like to share a few of my favourites destinations with you, because each
one of these places has special memories for me, and has been part of making me
the athlete I am today.
got some time to actually explore the city and use their public transport, etc. I also
had probably one of my hottest races ever, with the temperature clocking in at a
boiling 41 degrees Celsius at around 8 o’clock in the morning! (In Rio it reached 44
degrees.) That is when you come back to your own country and really appreciate
our more bearable, ‘cooler’ summers!
Banska Bystrica, Slovakia: This country feels like a second home to me now, as
it has been my base for preparation in the European season for the last two years.
Both times I made it my home for a month at a time, and learnt so much about their
food and culture. It has also been the place where I have gotten mentally stronger,
thanks to training with 50km World Champ and Olympic Champion Matej Toth and
his training group. Having them as a support group after travelling there alone has
been one of the things I have appreciated most while training there.
Lugano, Switzerland: This is the most beautiful race I have ever done. The 2km
loop for the 20km is located on the banks of Lake Lugano, which is absolutely
breathtaking, and the city is like something I have only seen in movies. Being
a more expensive country to visit, I enjoyed seeing the difference and contrast
between the places I have been to.
Podebrady, Czech Republic: My favourite memory of a race thus far, twice taking
part in the European Championships 20km. This is where I set my SA Record, and
then broke it again by a millisecond, and this was also where I walked my Olympic
qualifier for Rio 2016.
Life Lessons
In visiting these countries, I’ve learnt a few things that have been useful throughout
my travels and walking career.
• You cannot always control your race circumstances, so learn to adapt to local
conditions.
• Jetlag is often unavoidable when you’re travelling long distances, so plan for
it, and rest, rest, rest!
• Different countries, different foods, different eating habits – try and stick to
your usual diet as far as possible, especially before your race, and preferably
keep the tasting and experimenting for later!
• Lastly, and most importantly, seize the moment and enjoy your experience.
You may only get to visit that place once in your lifetime, so try to take in as
much as you can!
Eugene, Oregon, USA: My first Junior World Champs and the first country visited
outside of Africa. I was really young and inexperienced, and I still remember how
nervous I was when we got there... and jetlagged! Seeing so many elite athletes on
a world class track blew my mind completely, and it was then that I realised that
hard work can really get you places. That was also when I decided to fully commit
to qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Rome, Italy: It was the last race I competed in before the 2016 Olympics in Rio,
probably the most jet-lagged I have ever been, but the best experience of a new
country, as I had family members flying over from London to come and support me.
Having that kind of support at a race is unforgettable, especially when you are in an
environment that you don’t know.
Taipei, Taiwan: I went there, with one of my best friends, to compete at my first
World Student Games. It was such a different experience to what I am used to, as I
38
ISSUE 122 SEPTEMBER 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Race Walker Anel Oosthuizen is a multiple SA
Champion and Record Holder, and represented SA in the women’s 20km at the
2016 Rio Olympics.
WALK
THIS
WAY
By Anel Oosthuizen