Hannah van Niekerk, 19, achieved a childhood dream and won a bronze medal at the recently-concluded championships in Lima, Peru.
Her third-palace finish helped Team South Africa to a sixth-place finish with a total medal tally of seven (three golds, two silvers and two bronze medals).
Van Niekerk became the only female athlete to win a medal in the campaign for Team SA. The former Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool learner powered through to a personal best time of 56.98 in the 400m hurdles final to win her maiden international medal.
The overjoyed bronze medallist had a lot of praise for her coach, who played a pivotal role in her mental and physical readiness.
“I was motivated and excited to come and compete in Lima. My coach and I worked super hard to ensure that I was ready physically and mentally. Coming here, my goal was to take it round for round and give my absolute best,” she said.
“After making it to the final I knew that I had nothing to lose and I should just go for it. I cannot explain how amazing it feels to go home with a medal, and a new personal best. I still can’t believe I was third, and it truly is an amazing feeling.”
Van Niekerk is not yet willing to let go of the sweet taste of success any time soon, and she has already set her sights on another competition on the world stage.
“My plan for now is to prepare for next year and to work even harder so that I can go to the World Student Games. I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds. I’m super excited and I can’t wait to compete again,” she said.
The South African U20 Champs delegation arrives back home from today with the last of the group set to land at the OR Tambo International Airport tomorrow.