Parktown High Schools for Girls learner and Top 6 runner in the province, Enreth Daniel is ecstatic to be selected for the Gauteng team, competing with other provinces in a few months.
The 16-year-old explained that her first time competing in the South African Athletics Championships was an amazing experience.
“Leading up to the race, I was anxious because I didn’t know what to expect but my parents, coach, and peers reassured me that I would do well no matter what happened because I worked hard to get to where I was. I had a fantastic race and managed to surprise myself despite the amount of wind and extreme heat experienced on the day.”
Enreth said being under the Top 6 runners category felt surreal, she remains in disbelief that she has reached this stage in her athletic career.
“I don’t think it would be possible without all my hard work, determination, and most importantly all the people who have assisted and inspired me along the way.”
The top 6 runner began running in Grade 3 when she joined cross country in primary school and realised in Grade 8 only after joining a cross country team that she had potential and was capable of succeeding if she continued training and gave the sport her all.
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She noted that she received several cross country awards throughout her running career, but one that remained meaningful is the first Cross Country award she received in Grade 8.
“This one is significant because after receiving it, it was the first time I realised how much talent and dedication I had for running and how I could use my dedication to become a better athlete.”
She highlighted that there were days when she felt unmotivated to run due to exhaustion and the tight schedule at school, but she always tried to remind herself why she began and how joyful running made her feel afterward.
“I always put my academics first before running by making sure that all my schoolwork is complete before I think of going for a run so that I don’t fall behind. I have cross country training every 3 to 4 times per week which means I do have days where I’m not running so on these days I focus solely on my academics.”
Enreth concluded that she was unsure if she’d continue doing athletics after completing high school because she always dreamt of becoming a Pediatrician, but she has also seen her potential in athletics so she was not shitting the door on her running passion.
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