Frances aims for an Olympic goal

"My goal is to first be selected to participate in the Olympics"

Frances Janse van Rensburg.

Lolo Madonsela
While many youths enjoy clubbing and are addicted to their smartphones, 18-year-old Frances Janse van Rensburg is solely focused on becoming a world champion cyclist.
She has loved cycling since childhood, but since the age of 14 has ramped up the intensity.
This past weekend, Frances participated in the two-day 606 kilometre Ride for MRP Foundation along with more than 70 other participants, in a race which demanded sheer mental focus and unbounded physical energy and stamina.
“I took part in the Ride for MRP Foundation because it is a charity event and the biggest I have ever done,” she said.
Frances already boasts a number of cycling victories, in races spanning the width and breadth of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa, including her stellar performance in the UCI Road World Championships in the UK in September, during which she claimed 12th place.
“I have not reached where I want to be,” Frances admitted. “My goal is to first be selected to participate in the Olympics, representing my country, but my ultimate goal is to become the Olympic champion. My dream would have then come true, but that would not mean the end of my activity in cycling. I would still continue until I broke the world record.”
She said her passion for cycling was what kept her going and made sure she gave it her best all the time.
“It’s the burning passion within that helps me push myself to be the best. I will never stop; I cannot think of anything else except for cycling. Of course, when I move to Hilton, I will enrol to study further. I will study Sports Management because I do need education, but my life is cycling.”
Frances encouraged other teens to take up a sport they loved and to excel in it.
“Sport is good for your health and mind, but it is also a lot of fun. I never get bored when I am on my bike.”
After losing her father, Frances said her aunt bought her a first bicycle and she started riding every day.
“My desire and passion grew from there. By buying me that bicycle, my aunt made me realise my passion. Even though I have always loved riding, most of the time is I was riding horses. The bicycle changed everything,” concluded Frances.