PUMA caught up with South African sprinters Clarence Munyai, Miranda Coetzee and Sinesipho Dambile ahead of their participation in the 2023 World Champs in Budapest this month.
Clarence Munyai: Clarence who is part of the 4x100m relay team talks overcoming setbacks and running fast.
The World Champs start on 19 August – what are your goals?
To do the best I can in assisting the 4x100m relay team to contend for a medal.
Your form has been improving over the past few months with especially strong results in July including a season’s nest 20.22 in Switzerland. How do you and your coach ensure you peak at the right time for the World Champs?
It’s all about trusting the plan and knowing coach will make me run fast when it matters. Sticking to the plan is really important as an athlete to perform at your highest level, and I trust my coach and his planning.
What does the World Champs mean to you in terms of the path you have run since childhood?
It is always an honour as I get to go out there and not just represent myself but my country and also inspire the next generation.
What challenges have you faced this year and how have you overcome them? Early in the year I picked up an injury which set me back. I had to be mentally tough and resilient. I had to be patient and trust my team would get me back into shape in time for World Champs.
What keeps you motivated to put in the hours of hard work? The desire for success.
Your favourite achievement?
When I broke the 300m Junior World Record in Ostrava. Two World Records were broken in that race – Wayde van Niekerk broke the senior record, and I broke the junior record. It was special to be part of two South Africans breaking two World Records in the same race.
What are your strengths as an athlete?
Resilience and ability to pick myself up after setbacks. To still have that fire in me to keep pushing. As athletes we suffer a lot of setbacks, so never giving up and learning from the setbacks is what sets us up for those perfect races that we have been working towards.
What spikes do you wear and why do they work for you?
The PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo NITRO spikes – the best in the world. They are comfortable and specifically designed for high performance sprinting.
What attracted you to partner with PUMA?
Their motto “Forever faster” which speaks to me as a sprinter because, sprinting is about being fast which is why I knew PUMA would be the best fit for me.
Your advice to youngsters who may feel there are too many barriers blocking their dreams?
Know that in life on the road to success we all stumble at some point. But we should never give up because those experiences prepare us for success. What we learn on the journey is much more important than the destination.
Miranda Coetzee: Miranda who will run the 400m talks World Champs goals and inspiration from her late father.
Your World Champs goals? Make the final and run an Olympic qualifying time.
How do you ensure you peak for World Champs?
My coach is very strategic, so we always plan ahead and work to the plan.
What does the World Champs mean in terms of the path you have run since childhood?
Growing up I dreamt of running at international level, so it is a dream come true, and there is more to come.
What challenges have you faced this year?
Losing my dad was the biggest challenge. But I am straying strong and keeping my head up because he would not have wanted me to lose focus. He wanted me to do well, so this is also for him.
What motivates you to work hard?
To become the greatest athlete and build a better future my me and my family.
Your most significant victories?
Winning two golds at SA Champs this year. My first national titles.
What spikes do you wear?
The PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo; they fit perfectly, almost as if they were designed specifically for my feet.
What attracted you to partner with PUMA?
I’ve loved the brand since I was a little girl, for the unique style and the support they give athletes.
Your strengths as an athlete?
Having a string mindset and being able to handle pressure. I am very determined, dedicated and big on self-discipline.
Your advice to youngsters who feel barriers are blocking their dreams? It doesn’t matter where you come from, your situation or struggles. Always fight for what you want. Take care of yourself and don’t compare yourself to anybody. Stay focused on the present and don’t stress about the past or the future. And above all love God.
Sinesipho Dambile: Sinesipho who will run the 200m and the 4x100m relay talks injuries and chasing dreams
The World Champs start on 19 August – what are your goals?
To run 19:85. I see it and feel it and being in the final with the top 1% of sprints will be a great experience.
Your form has been improving over the past few months. How do you ensure you peak for the World Champs?
We take it one day at the time, work consistently and stay focused. We are getting where we want to be now.
What does the World Champs mean in terms of the path you have run since childhood?
It is the road to greatness and means we are at the right path with my team.
What challenges have you faced this year and how have you overcome them?
Starting with a new programme and a new coach has made me become patient and believe we are doing the right things to be where I want to be in a future.
What motivates you to put in the hours of hard work?
My long-term goal of becoming an Olympic Champion at 200m and to assist my mother, father and brother.
Your most significant victory?
Being able to showcase my talent by winning my 200m bronze medal at the World Junior Championship after not running for the whole year because of injuries.
What spikes do you wear?
PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo NITRO 400, as they look and feel great.
What attracted you to partner with PUMA?
The brand has done a great job supporting professional track stars to make their dreams come true, including the greatest athlete Usain Bolt. I want to be the one who takes over from him.
What are your strengths?
I am a hard worker, am dedicated and self-confident.
Your advice to youngsters?
Chase your dream, that one thing that keeps you awake at night. Consistency of working is everything.
Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
