Pedaling to glory: Fanisa’s mountain bike journey begins
While others were stuck indoors during lockdown, 13-year-old Fanisa Khoza found her freedom on two wheels.
For many, the lockdowns of 2020 were a time of stillness, but for Fanisa Khoza, it was the beginning of a thrilling journey on two wheels.
Fanisa, a learner at Craighall Primary School, made her mark at the Gauteng Primary School mountain bike event held at Steyn City on August 3. Competing in the sub-junior age group, this young Lions Club Academy cyclist tackled her first mountain bike race with a blend of excitement and determination on the challenging 3km off-road circuit.
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Despite this being her inaugural appearance in this race, Fanisa was no stranger to the sport, having received her first bike in 2019 and embracing cycling as a passion during lockdown. Her experience at Steyn City was both exhilarating and inspiring, as she joined other young cyclists in a vibrant display of talent and resilience.
“It was really fun and amazing to see so many girls from other schools,” she shared, reflecting on the race. Her preparation included rigorous training at Northern Farms and on-road practices, where she built both physical and mental fortitude.
Fanisa’s performance at Steyn City marked a significant improvement from her previous races, where she often had to dismount her bike. This time, she only dismounted once, a personal achievement that has fueled her drive to improve further and aim for a top-nine finish in future races.
As a member of the Lions Club Academy, which supports around 12 young cyclists, Fanisa is set to continue participating in the remaining races of the series, with her sights set on even greater accomplishments.
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