Defending Varsity Athletics shot put champion Ischke Senekal is hoping to make a big impact in front of her home crowd when NMMU host the first leg of the 2014 competition later this month.
The Madibaz Athletics Club field star, who also excels at discus, stood head and shoulder above the rest in the inaugural series last year, and has her sights on making it a double when the first leg kicks off in Port Elizabeth on March 21.
Senekal has been training for this event since August last year, as she is well-aware of the opposrtunities a platform like Varsity Athletics will present.
“I started in August with technique and gym work, now I am in the final stages and it is all about quality rather than quantity.
“It is a big opportunity because people see you competing so there is the chance of being notice and being offered bursaries so I am going to give it my best shot,” she told varsitysportssa.com.
With Sa champs coming up in early April, the Varsity Athletics series will also give Senekal and other stars like her the perfect chance to prepare to challenge for top spot in the country.
Senekal was something of a surprise winner in last year’s series, but she knows that she will not have the luxury of underdog status this year.
“Last year it was a bit of a shock to some people that I won, but this year the expectations will obviously be higher so I will have to prove myself,” she said.
One thing that will make life easier for Senekal is the support she is likely to get at her home track in Port Elizabeth.
“My family and friends are a huge support for me so competing in front of them I will always perform,” she added.
