Overcoming any obstacle

Fourways resident and Unisa sports psychology honours student, Sabrina Daolio (24) wants you to fall in love with her sport of choice – obstacle course racing.
Although obstacle course racing is not one of the country’s most traditional sports, it is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa and around the world. There is even talk of making it an Olympic sport, which makes a lot of sense when you consider the strength and skills needed to race competitively in the sport.
Daolio explained that in one of her average races, she could be expected to run trails, climb ropes, perform tyre flips (where participants are expected to turn over truck tyres over a certain distance), carry sacks weighing up to 50kg and climb over walls using only her sheer strength.
“In school [ Beaulieu College] I was involved in competitive horse riding, but it was a very expensive sport and eventually my horse got old and had to be put down,” said Daolio. “Then about two years ago I saw an advertisement for the Urban Obstacle Race and decided to try it. And I was hooked.”
Daolio has taken part in a number of competitions since then, including the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships in Canada during October which saw competitors from 42 countries competing. Daolio came third in the woman’s individual race for her age group, while she and her teammates Hanneke Dannhauser and Carina Marx placed fourth for the Women’s Elite Black Ops race.

Her next big competition will take place here at home when she participates in the national leg of the Jeep Warrior Race with an estimated 8 000 other competitors in Pretoria on the weekend of 19 and 20 November, an event that will be televised on SuperSport channel 8.
Daolio works hard to prepare for her races, training five times a week, and she would like to encourage anyone and everyone to give it a try, no matter their age.
“It’s a very addictive sport. I would love it if everyone, no matter their fitness level, tried it. Kids are welcome, but so are older people who can take part in the veterans category,” Daolio said.
“It taught me that I can overcome any obstacle, and being involved in the sport is also a great opportunity for people to go outside and enjoy the outdoors.
“I’d also love the sport to become one that South African athletes could do professionally, and would encourage sponsors to get involved because it’s a great opportunity to get involved with local talent.”