TRACK & FIELD
On the Universiade podium in Naples
USSA Champs Success with UWC
The UWC contingent in Naples
Images : David Papenfus / Endurocad & courtesy Ashley Smith & Under Armour myself doing a PhD in politics and going into that as a career .”
For the past few years , he has been competing in UWC colours , and was selected for the South African team to compete at the 2019 Universiade ( World Student Games ) in Naples , Italy . He finished third in the final of the 3000m steeplechase , running his PB 8:33 , but was later moved up to second place and the silver medal when the winner was found to have used banned substances . That saw Ashley awarded the UWC Sportsman of the Year Award for 2019 . However , he recently made the hard decision to change clubs , as he felt it was time to take the next step in his running career , and he has signed to run in the colours of Atlantic Athletic Club ( AAC ).
“ I was really sad to leave UWC , as for the past few years we had a group of five or six athletes that felt we were building a good middle-distance culture , and could take the club to the next level , to become the best middle-distance club in the country . We had three guys running under 3:45 in the 1500m , for example , and three under 29 minutes for 10km , and our team did really well as the USSA Student Champs , including a cleansweep in the 5000m . Then five of us went to the World Student Games , but sadly , most have now moved on from the university .”
Living the Brand
Another hugely motivating factor in Ashley ’ s career was his recent selection for the Under Armour Elite Run Crew , a developmental programme for promising young athletes that receive sponsored gear and financial assistance from the clothing and shoe brand , in exchange for fulfilling the role of brand ambassadors for Under Armour , while still being able to compete for their chosen running club . Ashley was one of hundreds of applicants in late 2020 , and made the final top 10 list before being selected as one of three athletes in the 2021 intake .
“ Under Armour is a growing brand in SA , starting with a small group of athletes , which means they can give us all close attention and support . It feels like they are putting the athletes ’ interest and wellbeing first , as they check up on us regularly to make sure we are OK and have what we need ,” says Ashley . “ If an athlete feels valued , you will perform , plus it puts good pressure on us – they are looking after us well , now we need to perform well for them , and give back to the brand .”
“ They are really going out of their way to stamp their authority as a technical brand , and their new shoes are really good , designed for the athletes . Shoe tech is changing so much at the moment , and today ’ s shoes can help you take a few seconds off your time . I particularly like the Flow Velociti , which keeps my running economy smooth , and the Machines and Sonics provide good cushioning . I also use the tracking tech built into the shoes , which means I don ’ t need a watch and can leave my phone at home , as the shoe tracks my distance , pace , cadence , etc . I really love that for my long runs . Also , I prefer training in long sleeves , and I really like the texture of the Under Armour long-sleeve tops … not too hot or cold , keeps the temperature just right .”
Balanced Outlook on Life
While his focus is currently on his own running , and chasing that Olympic dream , Ashley has already begun thinking of what will come after that . He has therefore decided that he wants to complete his studies before hopefully getting the opportunity to race regularly on the world stage . “ I don ’ t want to put my studies aside in order to go run overseas , other than for the Olympics , and I also think it is unhealthy to just think running , running , running all the time . I ’ ve heard too many stories of runners living their ‘ best life ’ while running , but having nothing after running , and that ’ s why I think my studies are important . It also keeps me sane to have another focus outside of running .”
Like his coach , Ashley is deeply religious , and he says that has played an important role in his success this year . “ I was saved last year , and this year I went into races with an attitude of just trusting God ’ s will . That took a lot of stress off my shoulders , so I could run stress-free , staying in the moment , and I feel like God is working through me and others to help us achieve something that has not been done for a while in Western Cape middle-distance running – and I believe that will spur on others as well .”
“ Some people have told me I ’ m lucky to have these opportunities , but they didn ’ t see how I ran myself
Ashley ’ s PBs
into the ground for 12 solid years to get here , where there were more bad days than good . I never made a national junior team , and never won a national junior title . I only won my first race in grade 10 , and my first Western Province title in grade 12 . I only got my first SA Champs medal in 2017 , while making my first national team in 2019 , and earning my first international medal . This was never sunshine and rainbows , I had to stack this up and earn it , but I ’ m still out here on a daily basis , because I know the work is not done yet . I almost gave up twice , but the truth is , I ’ ve accomplished more in this sport than I ever dreamt I could , and the reigns are off now . I am 100 % focused on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in July … and I am not going there to only compete !”
Dressed for success with Under Armour
800m 1:54.24 Paarl 2 Dec 2017 1500m 3:39.31 Stellenbosch 24 Mar 2021 Mile 3:58.63 Stellenbosch 15 Mar 2021 3000m 8:05.57 Cape Town 16 Feb 2019 5000m 13:55.19 Cape Town 17 Nov 2017 3000m SC 8:33.60 Naples , Italy 12 Jul 2019 10km ( road ) 28:52 Cape Town 17 Sep 2017
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