Zelda Botha emerged triumphant in the women’s ASA Race Walking Trials 21.1km race, producing a standout performance to win the crown at the University of Pretoria’s LC de Villiers Sports Grounds on Saturday, 22 February 2026.
Botha took a comfortable win for Central Gauteng Athletics in the women’s half-marathon race in 1:52:55, while National champion Marissa Swanepoel (Boxer AC) grabbed the runner-up spot in 1:55:30 and Janise Nell (ACNW) was third in 1:58:15.
Botha was already qualified for the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Brazil in April, but didn’t take her leading position for granted.
“I have already qualified, but I had to come here and show my worth, so I knew I had to win.”
ASA Race Walking Trials 21.1km race Champion, Zelda Botha
Botha had previously won the national 20km title in 2021 before undergoing hip surgery, which sidelined her from the sport for a couple of years.
“I was out front on my own for the last seven kilometres, and that’s tough because you never know how the other people are feeling behind you, so it was a mental challenge, especially at the end.”
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Marizel Meintjies (ACNW) completely dominated the women’s 30km event, securing victory in 3:06:36, with Puleng Motsoeneng (CGA) taking the runner-up spot in 3:30:19.
In the U20 10km event, Lee Sue Nyathi (Tuks AC) took the women’s contest in 54:57.
Original Copy: Athletics SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Zelda Botha emerged triumphant in the women’s ASA Race Walking Trials 21.1km race, producing a standout performance to win the crown at the University of Pretoria’s LC de Villiers Sports Grounds on Saturday, 22 February 2026. Photo: Athletics South Africa
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