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This month we feature one of our youngest and brightest stars , Carina Viljoen . Just a few weeks ago she took on SA ’ s running sensation Gerda Steyn over 5000m in Potch and was victorious . Now the new year awaits , and so does a glittering career for the 23-year-old .
You can find more info on the Murray & Roberts Running Club via our Facebook page .
Where do you come from and where do you go to Varsity now ? I am from Randburg , Johannesburg and went to Hoërskool Randburg . I am currently a student athlete at the University of Arkansas in the USA . I finished my undergrad in Accounting in 2020 and am currently pursuing a Masters in Sport Management .
How did you start running ? Both my parents were distance runners , and after watching them run as a kid , growing up , it was something that came naturally to me . I also remember watching the 2008 Olympics and after only the opening ceremony , I knew that was something I wouldn ’ t mind working towards . coach had had with other South Africans , and he was gracious enough to take me in and give me the opportunity to further my studies and run in the NCAA , one of the biggest and toughest stages in the track world .
Who motivates you and why ? My parents – I wouldn ’ t be anywhere in this sport without them . They have both put in so much work to help me be the best I can be , which inspires me to make them proud in anything I do . The mental side of running gets real tough sometimes . They know its importance , and work with me through all the ups and downs . In that sense , they actively motivate me on a daily basis – still .
Your favourite workout ? Anything “ short .” I love doing sets of 400m or stepdowns on the track .
Best training advice you ’ ve ever received ? Just take it one rep at a time .
Your running icons and why ? When thinking of a running icon , I usually gravitate towards some of the incredible runners I know personally . There are many who I ’ ve met or have some kind of connection to in the US now . And yet the most iconic people in my eyes are still our local legends . From Zola Budd and Elana Meyer to the Kalmer sisters and Dominique Scott . They are examples that you can have a kind , caring heart and still be a badass on the track , and that is something I look up to . These inspiring ladies make me feel that it is possible for a little South African runner to rise up and take a place among the greatest .
What was it like racing a national hero in Gerda Steyn , and then beating her ? It was a real honour to run with Gerda , as she is an incredible athlete and such a cheerful person . In South Africa , we need more races where athletes can strive towards faster times together . When I heard Gerda was setting out to run a fast 5000m on the track , I was so excited for the opportunity to finally let loose on home soil for a change .
How has COVID-19 affected your career ? It has just “ moved up ” my career by one year . Instead of finishing my studies in May of 2020 and then trying to turn professional , I get the chance to pursue a Masters and have one more season to run for the University , before entering the “ real world ” of senior racing .
What are your plans for 2021 ? I plan to finish my graduate degree and race collegiately until June 2021 in the States , after which only time will tell . I am hoping to explore some options of either staying in the States to pursue a professional running career or coming home and doing the same here . The possibilities are endless .
Images : Courtesy Carina Viljoen and Murray & Roberts Running Club
What are your PB ’ s ? On the track : 800m – 2:07.80 1500m – 4:13.27 1mile – 4:33 ( indoors ) 3000m – 8:56 ( indoors ) 5000m – 15:54.02
On the road : 10km – 34:32
How did you end up in the USA ? After my race at World Youth Champs in 2013 , I was recruited by a lot of American universities . That is when the seed was planted , but it wasn ’ t until my matric year that I went and visited a couple of universities in the States and I made up my mind to sign with the University of Arkansas . We had contacted them after seeing the success that the
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