Apple and tree for Bluff ultra-athlete family

WITH a mother who was the 2015 women’s OCR world champion 35 to 39 years; came fourth in the 2015 Bear Gryll Survivor Elite; 18th in the 2015 Warrior Dash world champs and sixth in the 2014 OCR world team, among several other noteworthy successes, Kayla Ribbink’s rise to the top seems a sure thing if genetics are anything to go by.

Her mother Jetaime Ribbink brims with pride over her daughter’s achievements, especially because of the vast and varied obstacles she has worked to overcome.

Having endured a neurological ailment herself, Jetaime epitomises how obstacles can be overcome to her daughters. “I wanted to show them life has no limitations and I believe I show them that everyday,” she said.

Jetaime is a decorated SA obstacle course racing (OCR) athlete. While the entire Ribbink family is active, Jetaime has notched up a string of accolades, after she started out as a fitness bikini competitor who was selected to represent SA at the IFBB world champs in Poland. On her arrival back home, she participated in a Warrior Race, “won it and was hooked”.

At the height of her OCR career, she competed internationally four times which included the Bear Grylls race in the UK. The pinnacle of her OCR career came when she represented SA in the women’s 35 to 39 category, OCR world champs in the USA, which she won.

“I stopped competing just over a year ago to focus on my girls. They were there for me – it’s their time now and I don’t want to miss a thing. Everything has a season – I believe I achieved as much as I could.”

My husband and girls were very patient and extremely supportive of me while I was constantly away training or competing.

I believe the girls have learnt a good work ethic and determination to succeed and never give up from watching me compete.”

Jetaime’s words of wisdom for Kayla? “I want her to always remember you can achieve anything you put your mind to with discipline, determination and hard work. I’ve always encouraged her to try new things, at least once.” “Watching her achieve is the most fulfilling feeling. I get a lump in my throat every time. She amazes me constantly.

The most remarkable thing about Kayla is she has petite mal. I know how hectic her day-to-day schedule is and sometimes I don’t know how she manages. She never complains, she just gets on with it. She works consistently towards achieving her goals, whether it’s in sports or her school work.”

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