Twin sisters Melinda and Melissa Jansen van Vuuren (27) are professional athletes who started their careers running for leisure.
Both started out as social runners back in 2017 at Springs parkrun. They chased their times and improved on a weekly basis.
It was soon clear to them and everyone else that they have quite the talent for running.
“I started running socially when I wanted to lose my pregnancy weight and feel better about myself after having my baby,” said Melissa.
When asked how many races she has entered so far, Melissa says she has lost count.
“At one stage before I had a coach I would enter every race on the calendar. In 2021, I entered 13 races and I stood on the podium for 12 of them, placing either first, second or third,” she said.
Melinda’s motivation, however, is a little different to that of her sister.
“The motivation which started my running career was the camaraderie it creates among people regardless of race or religious views,” she said.
Melinda recalls the highlights of her athletic career.
“There are quite a few highlights of big events which I’ll never forget such as the Kaapsehoop Marathon that took place in 2021.
“The last 400m was a sprint finish between me and Helena, who is the 2022 Comrades’ runner who took fifth place. I managed to haul her in slowly and finally passed her in the last few hundred metres. I came first at that event.
“Bestmed Tuks was also a highlight where I came first.
“At the Dubai Marathon, I placed 14th. It is a big honour for an event that big. I was also first for my age group in the same event.”
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Both sisters have big plans for their upcoming blossoming careers with both eyeing the top 10 for the Comrades Marathon and aspiring to compete internationally.
“I’ve made many lifelong friends along the way. Running motivates me because of all its mental and physical benefits,” said Melinda.
Melinda and Melissa are coached by Ann Ashworth, who is the 2018 ladies Comrades Marathon winner.
