'I see myself at the Olympics' - U13 race-walker Celina Mudawe shines at CGA Sub-Youth Meet

"I see myself at the Olympics," says young race-walker Celina Mudawe. Nicolene Cronje inspired a new generation of race-walkers when she became the first female walker to represent the country at the Olympics in Athens in 2004. It was a remarkable achievement for the athlete who was coached by legendary walker Carl Meyer.

Cronje crossed the line inside the Olympic Stadium in 1:42:37, placing 47th in the women’s 20km walk for the country’s best ever finish by a female in the distance at the Games. But that might change in the next few years as Warriors of the West walker Mudawe is blazing a trail that could eventually lead to South Africa's very first Olympic race-walking medal.

Celina Mudawe of Warriors of the West competes in 1 200m walk at the Germiston Stadium. Photo Credit: Lebohang Pita.

In icy and wet conditions, Mudawe delivered a sublime exhibition at the Germiston Stadium. Taking part in the opening Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) sub-youth track and field league meeting of the season on September 21, the 13-year old Hoërskool Westonaria Grade 7 learner came away with a dominant victory. She was intentional from the onset, taking charge of the U13 Girls’ 1 500m walk from the gun, and after three and a half laps, she cut the tape in 8:56.22 to secure the win.

"It's the first league meeting. I wasn't expecting to win, especially in this weather. I couldn’t move freely because my legs were locked but I kept on fighting," she told #TheTopRunner after her incredible performance.

Responding to where she sees the sport taking her, the athlete who is coached by General Mojaki, said enthusiastically, "To the Olympics! I'm ready to race in the Olympics now. I’m ready for #LosAngeles2028 and #Brisbane2032. I’m a fighter. I train hard. When I enter the track, I know what I’m there to do. In every session, I envision myself at the Olympics. That's my goal."

Annabelle Blignaut dominating the U13 Girls shotput. Photo Credit: CGA Media.

Despite the cold snap, it was an action-packed league at the Germiston Stadium as hundreds of youngsters displayed incredible talent. One of the notable performances came early in the day when Tembisa AC’s Junior Mwa, coached by Elvis Khoza, dominated the U9 Boys' 600m event from the gun to the tape to win in 1:55.70 and Mahlatse Mamonyane of East Athletic Club won her U11 Girls' 1 200m duel with Fitness For Africa's Mia Inglethorpe with a sprint finish, clinching victory in 4:03.47. On the field, Annabelle Blignaut of Monnas won the U13 girls’ discus with a throw of 12.45. She also threw 37.23 to win the shotput, while Jeppe’s Ewald Taljaard won the U13 boys’ discus with a heave of 39.74m.