Olympics beckon for Candice

Another shot at Olympic glory in Paris, France, beckons for Cross-Country MTB rider Candice Lill.

She now lives in Cape Town, but South Coasters will remember her as Candice Neethling; she’s the daughter of Gary and Carmen Neethling of Oribi.

It will be her third Olympics – she competed in the 2012 and 2021 editions – but this is the one for which she feels best prepared.

And while she isn’t saying it out loud, if things fall into place, who knows, something special may happen.

She has achieved plenty over her career, but her most recent results have been very promising, almost surprising for her but not for others who have followed her progress.

Candice was a learner at Izotsha Primary, finishing there in 2005 – and being taught by her mom in her Grade 6 year.

She attended Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High but came home on most weekends, so still lived the farm life.

When she left school, she ‘just knew’ she wanted to pursue a career in MTB racing.

But it hasn’t been easy. Not at all. There have been doubts and difficulties, choices and challenges.

She enjoyed success competing in South Africa but knew that, ultimately, she needed to compete overseas.

Candice wasn’t quite sure she was up for this, but her husband Darren managed to convince her otherwise.

“He basically told me I was going to regret it if I didn’t try,” she said.

Success has come, but every inch of it has been hard-earned. There has been major support from family and sponsors, for which she is grateful.

Over the last year, she has competed in the UCL MTB World Series, where she has produced such improved results that have caused a bit of a stir, especially so close to the Olympics.

She placed sixth in the Czech Republic, third in Italy and second in France.

In France, she started in the fourth row and fought her way up to almost winning on a muddy track.

She explained how South Africans don’t have nearly as much experience racing in wet conditions, so she was particularly pleased with this result.

“I was emotional, getting onto the podium after so many years of believing,” she said.

At the Olympics, Candice will be competing in the X-Country MTB category, which is raced on a 4km track over an hour and a half.

“It’s very technical, with hills and various features. It starts with a mad sprint, so it’s a tough event,” she said.

In London in 2012, Candice was only two years out of school and chosen last minute to go.

She was grateful for the learning experience.

Tokyo in 2021 was completely different, and she described it as an overcoming of her fears and doubts.

“I had experienced some mental blocks, like stopping at obstacles, just freezing,” she said.

A lot of work went into overcoming this, and in Tokyo, she was able to ride everything first time. It was a massive breakthrough.

All these successes, failures, experiences and opportunities have shaped Candice as an athlete and a person to this point.

She’s in a good place now, mentally, emotionally and physically, but in no way is she putting any extra pressure on herself as the Olympics approach.

“In some way, I have always believed I could compete at this level, but it’s still beyond my wildest dreams. I’m just going to go there and do my thing, stay relaxed and balanced. Pray everything goes well on the day and make the most of it.”

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram