Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 94, May 2017 | Page 20

Ma
feature
Rikenette winning the SA Champs Title in 2014
The diagnosis, in simple English, was that I had an extra piece of bone about 15mm long in my ankle, which impaired my mobility and therefore caused a lot of pain when running. There was no other option than to do surgery, but I had so much peace in my heart and embraced the idea of knowing what lies ahead without the frustration of confusion. The implication of the operation included six weeks’ bed rest, two months’ physiotherapy and two months of swimming, whilst working with a biokineticist. This rehabilitation period was difficult, although I knew it would all be worth it, but I could only return to the track in September 2016!
MA: What kept you going through the long injury lay-off?
RS: Words cannot really describe what I experienced, but I really trusted the Lord. I had my doubts, and to put it straight, there were moments when I had to learn to walk again that I thought I won’ t ever run again. It was difficult to imagine how to get over a hurdle, never mind sprinting over them at full flight. However, I am so blessed with an amazing family and support system that carried me through this time. They always helped me to focus on the next part of the process, and we celebrated every small victory. We were thankful when my cast came off and when I took my first steps again.

COMEBACK!

Having won both the SA Junior and Senior titles for the women’ s 100m hurdles in her matric year in 2010, then going on to claim the gold medal at the 2014 African Champs in Marrakech, Morocco, Rikenette Steenkamp then saw her 2015 season derailed by constant pain in her foot. Almost a year down the line the doctors finally found the problem and surgery was needed. Then the long road back began … Rikenette literally had to teach herself to walk again, but this year she has leapt back to the forefront of SA athletics, posting the secondfastest time ever by a South African female hurdler and completing one of the greatest comebacks in SA athletic history, with more still to come.
– BY REGGIE HUFFKIE
MA: From not being able to walk to running the second fastest 100m hurdles time by a South African female, how does it feel being on top of the world again?
RS: I was very surprised by my kick-off performances this season. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness after the setbacks and challenges that I’ ve been through the last two years. I really enjoy being in the system again, the processes and focus on every race, making the most of every opportunity.
One can reason that I had a long rest and that I’ m now hungry to run, but it is still unique to start the season with a few PBs. The trials and tribulations had their purpose and it makes the 2017 athletic season so much sweeter for me.
My entire season has been unconventional so far, and I therefore believe if it can go on like this, anything is possible in the years to come. I’ m so content and already feel this year was a success.
MA: Tell us about the injury, and how you felt while sidelined for so long.
RS: After a six-week off-season break in September 2014, I started training again, but before long, slight pains in my right ankle started bothering my training. Despite consulting various physios and doctors, the pain gradually increased throughout that December. In 2015, I tried training three times a week at about 60 % intensity, but that was just frustrating, and at the end of 2015 I consulted a foot specialist, Dr Fief Ferreira, and he finally identified the problem.
MA: Having run 13.02, have you set your eyes on breaking Corien Botha’ s longstanding 12.94 South African record?
RS: Yes, the SA record is definitely a part of the dream, and it will mean a lot to me. I have been dreaming about this for seven years and I’ m just as excited as everyone else to see when and how it’ s going to happen. I’ m not too focused on running a specific time for now – I’ d rather focus on execution at every race – but a new record will be good for women’ s athletics in South Africa. That said, I also realise that sport is entertainment and the expectations will continue to rise, but if I had to perform for everyone all the time, I will be burnt out soon.
MA: On a different note, what does a typical day in the life of Rikenette Steenkamp look like?
RS: Something like this: Gym between 7:30 and 9:00am, go home, have a look at my e-mails and do some work – I work part-time at Seeffrentals – then make myself lunch, sometimes go for a sport massage and then get ready for the afternoon session at the track, which happens from 3pm until 5pm. Then I usually work on my Master’ s degree in the evening.
MA: Working under the watchful eye of legendary coach Hennie Kriel must be something special?
RS: I have so much respect for my coach. He came along my path at the right time in my life. He has an awesome structure in place that supports the athletes very well. Communication is very important to him, and I appreciate that
20 ISSUE 94 MAY 2017 / www. modernathlete. co. za