BY: JUBILANT CHEYEZA BALOYI
South African ultra-marathon runner Gerda Steyn has sets her sights on the Olympic Games after achieving a historic victory with a time of 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 46 seconds at the 2024 Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on earlier
Sunday after breaking her 2019 record of 5:58:53.
This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in Steyn’s career and has propelled her into the spotlights as a potential contender for Olympic glory. With her exceptional endurance and unwavering determination, Steyn is now setting her sights
on the Paris 2024 Olympic Marathon, scheduled from 26 July to 11 August. Steyn has shown gratitude on social media platform (Facebook) to all the people who supported her throughout the journey and congratulate all the runner who took part to
participate on 2024 Comrade Marathon .
“So pleased with a third win at the most awesome race in the world!!! Maybe I am biased, but that is how it felt being out there today with hundreds of thousands of people cheering and supporting!! New Up-run record in 5:49:46. Thank you so everyone who
supported me and carried me to the line. I just wanted to make all proud. Well done to all the runners’ and thank you @comradesmarathon for the memories of LIFE”, she wrote.
Steyn’s journey to the Olympic will not be without its challenges. The competition for places on the South African marathon team is fierce, and Steyn will need to maintain her top form to secure her spot. However, her recent success and unwavering
dedication that she has the potential to achieve her Olympic dream.
The South African athletics community is buzzing with excitement about Steyn’s prospects. Many believe that she has the talent and determination to become the next great South African marathon runner and bring home Olympic gold. Social media users has expressed their excitement by congratulating her for an outstanding work and breaking her own record as no local runner has ever completed the Two Ocean marathon, Oom Dam marathon, won the Ultimate Human race , and
then completed in the Olympic Games within the same year.
“CONRATULATIONS lady G Now go to those OLYMPICS and takes your GOLD MEDAL. The podium and National Anthem is waiting for you”. Another user wrote “You are amazing, well done. Once again you made our country
proud. Thank you”.
Steyn’s Comrades victory has not only cemented her place in South African athletics history but has also opened the door to a potential Olympic journey. With her sights firmly set on Paris 2024, Steyn is poised to become a force to be reckoned with on the
world stage. Steyn has earn herself R2 million for her remarkable run.
