the group, because the negativity of one person can sour things for the whole group. Fortunately I have the greatest bunch of athletes, because they motivate and support each other. Any criticism or commentary is done in a way to build each other up, with love and respect, and that’ s a large factor that keeps me motivated to continue coaching.”
Hard to Believe …
Looking back at the last two years, Ans says the whole experience still seems a bit surreal.“ You know, I don’ t think the reality of Rio, or even of Beijing, has actually set in yet. Sometimes a glimpse comes through, but I try not to think about it too much, because Wayde and I can’ t get stuck in Rio. He achieved the goals and dreams he set for himself for Rio, but now we need new goals, ideals and dreams. As the saying goes,‘ faster, further higher.’ If you are going to get stuck at a certain moment, you will stagnate, and then what would be the point of training to continue competing? Still, I must be honest, in my life I never thought that the Lord would give me the privilege to coach a World Champion, Olympic Champion and World Record Holder. It is still a bit unbelievable!”
She says that Wayde’ s plans this year will be built around the SA Student Champs, SA Senior Champs, World Student Champs and Diamond League meets in between, and that will all form part of his preparation for the World Champs in London, where they hope he can successfully defend his World Title. Naturally, she says they will not be changing much from the coaching and racing recipe that has served him so well over the last few years, although she says that even after 49 years of coaching she still learns things along
the way, citing what happened just 12 days before Wayde’ s final in Rio.
“ We were in Germona in Italy, doing speed endurance work, and Wayde did three 100s and three 150s. The child was running unbelievable times, and I realised then his speed was where I wanted it, so I decided I wasn’ t going to do any more speed work with him before the Games, but rather go back to other threads to compliment his speed. When we were flying back from Rio, he said,‘ You know, Tannie, I was mad with you, because my speed was up there, and I thought now we’ re going to really work on getting faster, but then you took me back to short sessions. I couldn’ t understand it, but now I understand.’ That shows that he trusts my judgement 100 %, and that’ s why we have enjoyed the success that we have.”
I must be honest, in my life I never thought that the Lord would give me the privilege to coach a World Champion, Olympic Champion and World Record Holder. It is still a bit unbelievable!”
MEET THE MEMBERS
MA Club Focus Ma
Name: Sihle Malinga, a. k. a. Beauty Age: 46 years old From: Lyndhurst,
Johannesburg
Image: Aurelia Masino
HOW DID YOU GET INTO RUNNING?
I used to see women running every morning and I had a desire to do the same thing. I felt like I needed something to do that was going to make me feel fit and strong. Three of my colleagues used to register for races and I eventually joined in entering races as well. I started running every Tuesday after work with a team that ran at Eastgate, and they inspired my love for running, to a point where I was eager to join a club where I could get a running vest as well as the license for the year. This is where I ended up in Modern Athlete Club.
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?
It’ s a combination of keeping fit and staying strong, and watching other women my age run big races also keeps me motivated, even though I sometimes have knee challenges. Earning medals at every race I complete and collecting the T-shirts is a bonus motivation.
WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
My friend Comfort Selebi inspires me.( Featured in Modern Athlete, January 2016 – Ed.) She is my age, has three children, enjoys running, and takes on the Comrades Marathon. That’ s one of the races I would like to run with her one day!
JOIN THE MODERN ATHLETE CLUB!
If you’ re in the market for a new running club in 2017, come on over to the Modern Athlete Club, with branches in Central Gauteng and Gauteng North. This is a club for runners of all abilities, and the club operates largely in a virtual environment, but it has a real presence at events. You will also enjoy a number of extra benefits from your membership, including individualised training and nutritional programmes, and great discounts and rewards from our partners.
To sign up or get more info, go to www. modernathlete. co. za / page / the-modernathleteclub or mail info @ modernathlete. co. za
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