Namibia’s Maike Diekmann hopes her historic appearance at the Tokyo Olympic Games has sparked further interest in rowing.
Growing up, Diekmann participated in several sports from athletics (long jump, 100m sprint and discus) to in-line hockey (similar to ice hockey). Despite participating in several sporting disciplines, she never dreamt of one day representing her country at the Olympics.
While in her first year of studies in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape at Rhodes University, the Namibian played social hockey before joining the Sailing and Kite Surfing Club.
In her third year, Diekmann eventually give rowing a try, a sport code she assumed was somewhat intimidating as she had figured out that one had to have background knowledge of rowing from school level.
“I am proud to have walked away with the highest-ranking among the African female rowers.” – Namibia’s Olympic rower, Maike Diekmann
She then got an opportunity to join a mixed crew team that participated at the annual South Africa University Boat Race.
“I had no idea what I was doing in the boat race, but it felt spectacular being out there on the water, the adrenaline rush and then my coach back then encouraging me to give it a go, as he saw the potential, I had.”
As a result of her competitive edge and eagerness to tackle new challenges, Diekmann gave rowing a try.
Her first attempt to qualify for the Olympics was the African Qualifiers for the Rio Games, unfortunately, she missed the qualification spot.
A Quest is Born
Immediately after completion of her studies, Diekmann started rowing full time with support from the IOC Olympic Solidarity Scholarship. With support from IOC and her family, she relocated to Pretoria searching for better training opportunities and an elite level with better facilities.
This was the start of her amazing journey as her coach, Grant Dodds helped her with a new training system. At times students from Tuks Rowing Club would join Diekmann’s training session and vice-verse. Her rowing improved technically, and she became a stronger athlete.
In her debut appearance at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Diekmann finished in 18th position out of 32 overall and was the fastest African female rower at the Olympics.
She hopes that her participation at the Olympic Games has generated some awareness and sparked interest in rowing.
“I hope to have inspired many other African girls and women, especially back home in Namibia,” said Diekmann.
“Rowing is still a minimal sport in Namibia and is only in the very early development phase at the moment. I am hoping to have generated some awareness and sparked interest after competing in the Games, so that we will be able to receive some financial support to build up the sport back home and develop more athletes.”
Photo 1 Caption: Namibia’s Maike Diekmann hopes her historic appearance at the Tokyo Olympic Games has sparked further interest in rowing. Photo: Maike Diekmann (Instagram)
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
