Du Plooy masters the track in Brazil

Du Plooy has set many national records in nearly all of her Masters Athletics disciplines and is also a strong master swimmer.

Competing in the 80 to 84-year-old category, she won two gold medals in the 200m and 400m disciplines and claimed a silver medal in the 100m discipline.

“Brazil is a lovely country; people are very nice, however, the fact that the event was hosted at five separate venues made things a bit inconvenient for the athletes,” she said.

Unfortunately, on the second day of her trip, she landed up in hospital with a bout of food poisoning and could not handle water.

After spending a day in the hospital she managed to overcome her illness and find suitable food thereafter.

As the top ranked runner in her age group she was placed in the best lane in the finals and this proved beneficial in the 200m and 400m races.

She added that she was disappointed to come second in the 100m, but is still blessed to have competed.

When asked what goes through her head before a race, she said: “I don’t like to chat to my opponents before a race.

“Inside I am focused and concentrating deeply.”

Du Plooy, who took up Masters Athletics in her late 50s, said that it is extremely important for senior citizens to continue being active in their old age.

“The main reason I do athletics is to stay fit and keep my body and muscles strong,” she explained.

The master athlete, who runs for Chappies Running Club and trains with personal trainer Pierre Dedekind, at Benoni Health World Gym, said she will not take place in the next World Masters Athletic Championships, in France, in 2015, but has set her sights on the following event, in Perth, Australia.

Her advice to young runners is to always have a purpose to work towards.

She also thanked her daughter, Ansie Nel, for accompanying her on the trip and for always being at her side.