Leading para-cyclist, Palesa “Deejay” Manaleng is excited to be part of the provisional squad for the UCI Road World Cup and Championship events in 2021.
Speaking to gsport, Manaleng expressed her delight ahead of the events after a challenging year due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“This year has been a rollercoaster for all of us, I went from being excited to be part of the national team after the National Championships in February to almost giving up as I was stuck at home due to the lockdown and I couldn’t go on the road.
“The World Cups and World Championships were cancelled. Writing exams during the lockdown added to my stress.
“I had to rethink everything and ask myself whether it’s all worth it,” she continued.
“But, I made a decision after two weeks of feeling sorry for myself to get up and go after it.”
“I put together a training schedule that would push my limits.” – Para-cyclist, Palesa “Deejay” Manaleng
Manaleng went on to challenge herself and designed a training schedule to remain on top of her game.
“I had to remind myself that I have overcome so much, and I have come too far to give up on any of my goals.
“I put in the hours in school and training. I put together a training schedule that would push my limits but fun at the same time.”
She believes being part of the provisional squad is a step in the right direction and is amplifying her training to earn a spot in the final team.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to try and make the final team. This selection for me is a small victory and a step in the right direction.
“Yes, I still have a lot of work to do regarding my training and raising funds to continue doing what I love but I can honestly say it is always worth it.
“The dream is to medal at the Paralympics and to set records,” she concluded.
Fellow cyclists, Toni Mould and 2014 gsport Athlete with Disability winner, Justine Asher also feature on the provisional team list.
The final team will be announced on 20 December 2020.
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