Images : Courtesy Comrades Marathon Association , Gerda Steyn |
MA : Ironically , that ’ s exactly what René said , that it shows the power of the Comrades and what it means to South Africans . On that note , any last words you ’ d like to share with your fans and supporters who read this mag ?
GS : Honestly , it ’ s not possible for me to do this on my own , and just for myself ; it ’ s the people who support me that drive me to want to do better and get the most out of myself , and to make them proud of me . At Comrades this year , the crowds woke up on the morning probably as early as I did , in order to be out there on the route cheering me on . It ’ s incredible to hear your name being shouted like crazy , from the first kilometre to the last kilometre , and I also feel like I gain a whole lot of energy from the crowds , so I can ’ t help but smile , and try to give back a little bit to show my appreciation . It ’ s a long day out , but the crowds carry me all the way .
So , it ’ s just a massive , massive thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone supporting me , whether that ’ s on the route , on your tv screens , on social media and WhatsApp groups … I see it , I feel it , and it means the world to me !
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Having experienced the 2021 Olympics in Japan , Gerda is looking forward to Paris 2024 |
Gerda ’ s plaque on the Comrades Wall of Fame needs to be updated …
Thank you for all the support and love , says Gerda
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