NWU-Pukke sprinting sensational and defending 100 metre and 200 metre Varsity Athletics champion, Melissa Hewitt has her eyes set on claiming another sprint double and her third consecutive 100 metre sprint title.
Hewitt, who holds the Varsity Athletics 100 metre record, has been hampered by recurring injuries but feels that she will not let that get in her way to retaining her crowns.
“Preparation has been going well. I have had a few injuries along the way – a recurring achilles tendon issue and a tight hamstring – but I won’t be letting that get in the way of me giving my all at the Varsity Athletics meeting.
“I know there will be lots of pressure on me to retain my crowns but that is what happens when you are on top of everyone else. There is going to stiff opposition and I am sure that are all looking to get the better of me but my eyes are set on winning both the 200 and the 100,” she told varsitysportssa.com.
The 23-year-old recently participated in a North West provincial championships meeting where her main aim was to track her recovery progress and focus on her fundamentals, without having an expectation of winning on her shoulders.
The third year BEd students had a taste of international competition at the 2014 Africa Championships in Morocco but fell ill and was unable to perform at the optimal level but her hunger to compete in the global meetings has never been higher.
“The plan is to get onto the international stage and make a success of it. There is always a chance of me getting into the World League events but that will take a lot of work but we never know what will happen. I just have to keep working hard and keep my eyes on the prize,” she added.
Pukke have managed to add Olympic Silver medalist and World 800 metre Champion, Caster Semenya to their arsenal and Hewitt believes her presence has brought in a new mindset and vibe to the team.
“She [Caster Semenya] is really easy to talk to and such a down to earth person. Her presence alone had changed the mindset of everyone and the vibe is a lot more positive in the team,” she stated.
Pukke, who finished second to UP-Tuks i the 2014 Varsity Athletics competition will be looking to dethrone their Pretoria rivals and claim the title in this year’s event.
