ADVERTORIAL
Making the Headlines
Another Murray & Roberts athlete turning heads is Tayla Kavanagh . The personal bests , podium positions and wins have been rolling in this year , and now the awards are rolling in , too . She recently won the Newsmaker of the Year category at the Momentum G-Sport Awards , after winning the SA 10km title in Durban in November . Her winning time of 32:10 was her fourth PB in four races in 2021 , and catapulted her to fourth overall in the all-time list of fastest SA women over 10km .
Bravery and Rewards
The G-Sport Awards organisers , led by media professional and commentator Kaz Naidoo , said that at age 20 , the future is very bright for Tayla . Upon receipt of the award , Tayla said , “ The award was very unexpected , and I am really very honoured to feature amongst the best South African sports women with the Momentum G-Sport Awards . I am so happy with how the year has ended up for me running-wise , and I am looking forward to 2022 and what it has in store .”
Well , Tayla , we all are . So , here ’ s wishing all our members a blessed , safe and relaxing Festive break , and enjoy all the miles you can now do , but rest up , too , in order to hit the ground running in 2022 !
Mhlengi Gwala
Images : Cuan Walker , Reg Caldecott
As another hugely successful year runs to a close for the Murray & Roberts Running Club , we can celebrate still more achievements of our athletes in the Black & Yellow .
By rights , Mhlengi Gwala should never have walked again , yet a few weeks ago he produced a 37:41 for 10km in Durban . You may remember that in March 2018 a talented runner and triathlete was attacked near Durban , while out cycling , and his tormentors tried to saw his leg off with a handsaw . That was Mhlengi . It was one of the most shocking and traumatic events for athletes the country over , and still beggars belief .
For the past few years , the medical fraternity has tried everything to save Mhlengi ’ s leg , but just 10 months ago , his right leg unfortunately had to be amputated . Undaunted , he began running with a prosthetic blade , and in just his second race with his blade , he showed what he is truly made of .
He has now clocked sub-40 minutes for the classic 10-kay distance twice , but his sub-38 impressed even him . “ I had no idea that I could run that fast , and I ’ m still getting used to running with the blade . It ’ s not easy , and we are still working on getting it attached properly to my stump . I am , however , very grateful that I could break the barrier twice , and I now know I can go faster ,” he said . “ I am and have always been a triathlete first , though , and right now my first goal is to make it to the Paralympics in class PTS 4 in three years ’ time , but I ’ m also intrigued by racing in the bicycle road race in class C3 .”
This brave 30-year-old is certainly an inspiration to all at Murray & Roberts Running Club , and we can take heart from his tough mindset and ability to overcome one of the most horrendous experiences ever . Garry Babbich , the Black & Yellow club manager in Durban , says : “ I ’ ll tell you what , Mhlengi is a once-off . He is so impressive , and his positive attitude is contagious . We love having the guy around .”
Mhlengi is also a lifesaver on Brighton Beach on the Durban Bluff , and we bet that he inspires everyone that he meets there , too . As for us , that minor injury , argument with the spouse , bad track session or upset at work is so very little in comparison to what Mhlengi has had to endure . Makes one think , doesn ’ t it ?
You can find more info on the Murray & Roberts Running Club via our Facebook page or our website .
Tayla Kavanagh
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