Naeem aims for Paris Olympics
Naeem Razak, a hurdler from Hoedspruit, is heading for Europe to start his campaign to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.
He will be based in Prague in the Czech Republic. The Hoedspruit-born and bred athlete says his love for athletics started at high school. “I participated for my school at an inter-high event against the top Limpopo schools in Polokwane when the principal asked me to do hurdles. “That day I went home with three gold medals, one of them was for hurdles,” he says. “That was the start of a love-hate relationship with hurdles and athletics.”
Razak left Hoedspruit to study town planning and while he pursued his career, he also engaged in his passion for athletics, specifically the 110m hurdles. His journey has been a balancing act between striving to excel in his career while also being on the international sports stage. “The path I chose was undoubtedly challenging and filled with numerous obstacles to overcome. “Yet, through unwavering determination and the steadfast support of the Hoedspruit community, I have managed to rise above these challenges,” he says.
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“It would have not been achievable without the constant reminder to know where I come from. “I love the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, and in this instance, I am cognisant of the beautiful souls from our small town who have supported me to be who I am today,” he adds. Razak’s coach, Reneilwe Aphane, says he feels incredibly privileged to work alongside such an exceptional athlete. “Naeem’s dedication, humility, and strong cultural ties make him an invaluable member of our training group, Mbhereko.
“His religious beliefs serve as a foundation for his athletics, inspiring both himself and those around him,” Aphane says. “Naeem approaches every training session with unwavering commitment, constantly striving to improve his performance. “As his coach, I have witnessed his relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the track. “His physical and mental strength enables him to overcome obstacles and consistently push his boundaries, resulting in consistent progress in his performances,” he says.
