Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 76, November 2015 | Page 41

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN

Race Walking

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September’s All Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo saw South Africa’s race walkers bring home two medals and once again

Image: Courtesy Wayne Snyman

prove that we could be the powerhouse of African race walking – BY WAYNE SNYMAN

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e arrived in Congo with three days to acclimatise to the extremely hot and humid
conditions. I had prepared by training in the heat in Pretoria and did the same on arrival
in Congo, training on the race track the day before the race to study all the turns, and at
the exact same time the race would be held. The track consisted of a flat 1km loop just outside the
athletics stadium, with some shade cover that really helped during the race.
On race day the weather was a bit overcast but extremely humid, so I knew I had to plan my race
carefully, and that I could not afford to miss a drink or water station. Although it was a strong field
of 14 athletes, I was confident, as our preparations and training had gone well, and our outstanding
management team made sure that everything went according to plan. The race began at a rather
conservative pace, with everyone taking the weather conditions into consideration, but then the race
exploded on the third lap, going from very slow to super-fast. However, the three SA athletes ensured
that we kept all the walkers in one pack, not allowing any athletes off the front.

The race got really interesting at the 10km mark where the leading pack was reduced to
four, with only myself, Lebogang and two Kenyans left. By the 12km mark we were down
to three, but I regrettably fell a little behind in the following kilometre, which resulted
in me having to play catch-up. At 16km I caught the leaders and I thought this was my
chance, but after receiving two warnings from the judges, I had to reassess, choosing to
slow down and make sure of my technique instead of possibly getting disqualified at a
major championship.
I had to settle for the bronze medal in 1:27:32, but I had the pleasure of watching
Lebogang take gold in 1:26:43, whilst Mthembi Chauque, representing SA for the first
time, finished seventh (1:35:44). In the women’s race, Anel Oosthuizen finished fifth in
1:46:16.

Compiled and edited by regular walking columnist Marc Mundell, the SA and African 50km race walking record holder (3:55:32) and a 2012 Olympian.

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The one essential piece of
advice all athletes should
take heed of when it comes to
their backs, says chiropractor
Dr Monica Fiandeiro, is that
“you should Include core and
back strengthening in your
training regime, as your body
will not be able to perform
without a good foundation.”

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ased in Randpark Ridge in Johannesburg, Dr Fiandeiro studied Chiropractic at the University of
Johannesburg, an intensive six-year course that involves both theoretical and practical components.
Once qualified, she locummed in Windhoek and then returned to SA in 2011 to start her own practice.
“Chiropractic is a less invasive and complimentary form of treatment for many common health issues. I evaluate
whether the spine, or other affected joints, are moving as intended. Sometimes there may be joints that are
‘stuck’ in certain positions or directions. This causes tension and irritation on nerves and surrounding soft
tissue, which I rectify using chiropractic manipulation and other modalities. I also provide treatment for athletes
experiencing biomechanical misalignments of any joints hindering their abilities.”
Dr Fiandeiro says that dynamic stretching is ideal to prepare the body for activity, and correct biomechanical
function is essential, but athletes often go straight into their disciplines without a proper warm-up, and with
poor posture and form. “This places immense pressure on the joints and supportive structures, leading to
unnecessary strain as well as wear and tear on the body, predisposing the athlete to injury.” She therefore
concludes with this advice: “When you are tired and your body is not performing, it is probably telling you that it
needs a rest day, and when pain is involved and it’s not resolving, listen to your body and get it checked out.”

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