Glenrose Xaba may be earning herself a household name status owing to achievements like her SA 10km cross-country -, 10km road running – and half-marathon championship titles, and she is determined to improve on her outstanding performances in 2021 and beyond.
With the Olympics and African Champs in 2021 and the World Champs in 2022, the Boxer Running Club ace is focusing on training hard, and refuses to put pressure on herself. She is taking a long-term view, with a focus on ensuring she is strong enough to dominate.
This is a new-look Xaba, who seems more confident, and is slowly coming out of her shell. Many believe it has to do with the fact that she is now mentored by double Olympic champion, Caster Semenya, who was recently present at the gsport Annual List event, where Xaba was honoured.
“I’m happy because it is my first time being part of a gsport event. It means a lot to me to be recognised,” Xaba said after receiving recognition at the #GAL2020 event in Johannesburg.
This year, Xaba along with many athletes have had to endure the challenges of being away from competitive action due to the global Coronavirus pandemic, which caused havoc in the world of sports for months.
With the gradual return of sport later in the year, the 25-year-old long-distance runner proved her professionalism, recording a personal best in the World Half Marathon this October, and smashing the ladies course record at the Nedbank Skosana 10km with a winning time of 34:48.
She says her support system, including Semenya, are encouraging her to continue fighting to achieve her goals.
“I have a lot of support around me from my Manager, Boxer Running Club, Caster (Semenya) and family.” – Glenrose Xaba
“They encourage me to never give up, and that is why I have been able to achieve during a difficult time for all runners.”
With the new year on our doorstep, all eyes are on Xaba and whether she will qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo. “I can say that now my focus is on qualifying for the Olympics. It is not impossible,” she concluded.
Image Caption: SA 10km cross-country -, 10km road running – and half-marathon champion, Glenrose Xaba, is pictured with SASCOC First Vice President, Lwandile Simelane, at gsport’s #GAL2020 event in Johannesburg, on 15 December, 2020. Photo: Nokuthula Mbatha/ gsport
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