Justine Palframan represented Maties Sport at a University Sports South Africa (USSA) event in 2021. PHOTO: Supplied/Trevlyn Palframan
A pair of Maties Sport track athletes are attempting to qualify for the 2021 Olympic Games, which will be held in Tokyo later this year.
This was according to Maurice Fisher, the head coach of athletics for Maties Sport. Justine Palframan is competing to qualify for the 200 metre and 400 metre individual athletic events, while Gardeo Isaacs is competing to qualify for the 400 metre individual event and the 4×400 metre relay, said Fisher.
“My season’s best in the 400 metre this season is 46.2 [seconds],” said Isaacs. Isaacs has two more opportunities to run a qualifying time of 44.9 seconds in the 400 metre event before the closing date for Olympic qualification on 29 June, he explained.
In order to qualify, Palframan will need to run the 200 metre with a time of 22.80 seconds, and the 400 metre with a time of 51.35 seconds, before the closing date, she said.
Palframan told MatieMedia that she has represented South Africa in athletics since the age of 14. “My love for running keeps me going,” said Palframan, although she added that her relationship with the sport has not always run smoothly.
In order to manage her performance anxiety, Palframan has shifted her focus from the outcomes of her races to the process and implementation of what she does in training, she said.
“Qualifying will be a bonus, but I have already come so far this year. The Olympic Games will not be the determining factor of [whether] I consider my year to be a success or not,” said Palframan.
Gardeo Isaacs representing Maties Sport at a University Sports South Africa (USSA) event in 2021. PHOTO: Supplied/Trevlyn Palframan
Isaacs told MatieMedia that he started taking his athletic career seriously at high school. He said that his parents have been his biggest motivation.
An athlete that inspires Isaacs is Wayde van Niekerk, not only because he competes in the same event as Isaacs, but also because “he proved that no matter your circumstances, you can do anything that you want”, said Isaacs.
Voice Clip: Gardeo Isaacs, a Maties Sport athlete, tells MatieMedia about his journey to the 2021 Olympic Games.
Covid-19 competes with the athletes
As a result of Covid-19 restrictions, both athletes have faced challenges on their journey towards the 2021 Olympic Games.
“My journey to the Olympics hasn’t been the easiest, due to restrictions such as limited competitions and limited access to training facilities,” explained Isaacs.
Palframan said that there is no set race schedule available, which means that athletes need to be prepared for uncertainty and quick changes.
“If things change, the plan is adapted and you move forward,” said Palframan.