Sprint queen Monja puts in the hard yards

IT’s all about the rush of adrenaline for teen sprinting sensation Monja Theart. Monja, 16, stormed her way to victory in the girls’ under-17 100m sprints and 200m sprints at the Western Province High Schools Northern Zone Championships at Parow Athletics Track last weekend.

The Grade 11 pupil at Hoërskool DF Malan will now have to take care of business at the Western Province High Schools Championships this weekend. All the top athletes from the Northern, Southern, Table Bay and False Bay zones are set to compete.

The Bellville Athletics Club athlete said: “I am very proud of my achievements. I worked hard during pre-season to improve on my 100m and 200m times. I can definitely work my starts to finish strong and focus more on endurance/stamina training.”

Monja will also have one eye on the Western Province Athletics

Junior Championships at Parow Athletics Track next month. The MTBS record holder in the girls’ under-17 100m and 200m sprints said she expects to run personal bests.

“My expectations are to run sub-12 seconds in the 100m and sub-24 seconds in the 200m,” said Monja, who bagged silver in the girls’ under12 100m sprints at the South African Primary Schools’ Championships in 2015.

Monja wants to enjoy sprinting, gain experience and do her best on the track.

And who does the young sprinter look up to?

“Most people would say Usain Bolt, who certainly is the best. But for me, every successful athlete who trains hard, sacrifices and competes is an achiever who inspires me.

“I also enjoy the camaraderie of my athlete friends that train with me at Bellville Athletics Club,” she said.

Like most athletes, the former Kenridge Primary School pupil started doing track and field from a young age.

In 2013, she joined Bellville Athletics Club under the guidance of coach Marcél Otto.

“He has been a huge part of my passion and success in athletics. His knowledge of sprints and training taught me a lot and also to keep pushing for better results. I enjoy the adrenaline rush of sprints,” she added.

Her mother, Antonette, described Monja as competitive and focused.

“First and foremost, she must always do it for herself and enjoy every event. Results are great, but being able to achieve results and being competitive is a privilege.

“We are surely very proud and blessed to have such a daughter,” Antonette said.

‘I worked very hard during pre-season to improve on my times. I can definitely improve on my starts’

PICTURES: KEAGAN MITCHELL Hoërskool DF Malan’s Monja Theart, centre, bagged gold in the girls’ under-17 100m sprints at the Western Province High Schools’ Northern Zone Championships.