There’s a record breaker and Biathlon sensation hailing from East London, her name is Esona Sipho Esihle Sekeleni. The 10 year old is a student at Cambridge Primary School and has produced incredible record-breaking performances that have seen her earn the coveted spot of representing Team South Africa at the World Biathlete Championships in October.
Sekeleni started competing in Biathlon at the beginning of 2020 but was sadly forced to stop due to the COVID19 lockdown restrictions. That did not deter her though as she continue training and maintaining optimum fitness levels.
She started competing again in January 2022 and soon after broke her Border record in both running and swimming. On April 24th she attended trials in the Eastern Cape where a team would be selected to go and represent the province at the SA Biathlon Champions in Stellenbosch.
The prodigy did very well at the Eastern Cape trials, obtaining 1st place in her age group guaranteeing her a spot in the team going to SA Biathlete Championships.
On 28 May 2022, Sekeleni represented the Eastern Cape at the SA Biathlete Champions in Stellenbosch where a SA team would be selected to represent the country at the World Biathlete Championships in Portugal in October this year.
The World Biathlete Championships will be held on 26 – 31 October 2022 in Machico, Madeira Island, Portugal. The athletes are not funded nor are they assisted in any way whatsoever. It is up to Esona’s mom (who is a single parent and sole provider) to raise funds for her to attend all these trips.
Tell us about yourself and how did you get into sport?
My name is Esona Sekeleni, I am 10 year old girl who loves family, sport and church. I got into sport through my mom.
For those that don’t know what is a Biathlete?
A Biathlete runs and swims etc. Doing more than one sporting activity at the same time
Who is your favourite athlete and why?
My mom because she is both an athlete and aerobics instructor. She is also my role model.
What are your dreams and hopes for your career in sport?
I want to be a professional athlete and one day go to the Olympics.
How was it for you when Covid 19 stopped you from playing sport and going to school?
Not too hard because my mom trained us at home and was also my teacher for my school work.
What did you miss the most during lockdown?
Swimming as well as seeing my cousins and friends
You’ve broken a number of records – what have been the biggest highlights?
My amazing win that got me to SA Champs in Stellenbosch. Before that breaking my swimming and running record in Gqebera – Biathlon SA Champs.
What do you enjoy the most about competing?
Testing how strong I am and pushing myself to be better.
You have qualified to go to represent SA in Portugal later this year, will this be your first time leaving the country?
Yes, it is for both me and my mother.
What are you looking forward to the most?
To be in a different country, competing among the young greats and making new friends
How are you preparing for the World Biathlete Championships?
I have to watch what I eat; I go to swimming training everyday. Gym is always extremely important
A note from Esona’s mom as they seek sponsorship for the World Biathlete Championships in Machico, Madeira Island, Portugal. This is a plea from the Sekeleni family:
“It is with great sadness that at such high levels our kids are not funded for anything. SAMPA itself is not paying for anything not even the kit; as the parents we solely raise all the money and are dependent on sponsors and funders. My request and plea is for you to please help me make my child’s dream a possibility. I cannot allow my child to work hard and reach such a high level; only to destroy her and take it all away from her. We are mainly looking for financial assistance currently (not leaving out those who would like to donate tracksuits, sneakers, t-shirts etc) as there are a lot of things which we need to pay for way before we leave such as:
Flights for VISA
VISA
Local accommodation for VISA
Kit
Registration for race
Accommodation in Portugal
Transport to and from airport – Portugal
Local transport – Portugal
Food – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Petty cash
Site seeing for educational purpose
We do have a link where one can deposit the funds which is: www.candystick.co.za/c/esona-shines-in-portugal
For those who would like to contact us may do so on:
Miss Sandisiwe Sekeleni (Mom) 082 346 3194 or alternative contact
Miss Maya Mokoena (Manager) on 071 317 7314.
Photo 1 Caption: 10-year-old Esona Sekeleni is breaking records and is well on her way to represent Team South Africa at the World Biathlete Championships in October. Photo: Supplied
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