ATHLETICS NEWS - Rikenette Steenkamp set a new South African record last night during Memorial Josefa Odlozila Meeting in Prague when she ran 12.91s in the 100m-hurdles.
If ever an athlete deserved to break Corien Botha’s 21-year-old record of 12.94s it is Steenkamp. She has been on a “hunt” for it since last year. The Tuks athlete, in fact, did run a faster time during the Resisprint International Meeting in Switzerland winning in 12.92s. Unfortunately, the wind from behind was too strong for record purposes.
There is a real story of perseverance to be told about Steenkamp record-breaking run. In 2016 she had to relearn how to walk correctly after undergoing an operation to remove an extra bone in her ankle. As part of the rehabilitation process, Steenkamp was confined to bed rest for six weeks. Swimming was the first proper exercise she was allowed to do.
Last night the former junior world champion, Elvira Herman (Belarus), won the 100m-hurdles in 12.69s. Steenkamp was second with Luca Kozák (Hungary) third in 13.04s.
The Tuks athlete did not have the best of starts. In spite of being second last out of the starting blocks, she was in the lead going over the first four hurdles.
“To at long last break, Corien Botha’s record was amazing. I have dreamt doing so for the previous seven years. What excites me is that it was not the perfect race. My technique going over the first four hurdles was possibly the best I have ever done. But I was coming so fast onto the hurdles that it led to me losing a bit of rhythm. Then I hit the sixth hurdle. I can’t remember when last that happened.
“I was quite emotional afterwards especially when I met up with my coach, Hennie Kriel. I owe so much to him for the way he guided me to break the record,” said Steenkamp who will be racing again on 14 June in Herouville, France.
