Africa-Press – Namibia. SADE de Sousa is steadily regaining form and fitness on the USA varsity circuit after breaking the Namibian senior women’s 60m record over the weekend.
Running in the colours of Carson-Newman Christian University at the Bast Cregger-Multi Invitational meet in Salem, she ran 7,43 seconds to place second, improving the national record mark of 7,76 set two years ago by Jolene Jacobs in Birmingham, England.
Once touted the next big thing before the emergence of Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, the former national 200- metre champion has been beset by a series niggling injuries which hampered her progress.
Nonetheless, De Sousa’s talent earned her a scholarship to study abroad, first at the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2018 before transferring to Carson-Newman Christian University in Tennessee last year.
De Sousa sprung to the fore as a precocious 16-year-old in 2017 when she won the 200m title and narrowly missed out on the 100m gold to Jacobs, who held the 60m record until this weekend.
Now 21, she is determined to excel both academically and on the track.
“First, I’m working towards completing my studies successfully – and, oh boy, it’s no joke. I’m juggling school, work and training currently, and it’s quite a tall order, but I manage my time well,” the ambitious De Sousa said.
“I’m currently doing a four-year degree in Exercise Science at Carson-Newman Christian University in Tennessee, and after that, I want to specialise in kinesiology or sports medicine,” she continued.
“I aim to return home, apply my skills and training, and assist the upcoming athletes, as we all know our country has immense untapped talent.”
On the evidence of her recent races, she too is beginning to maximise her talent, having also improved the Carson-Newman school record three times over the weekend.
Her sterling form securing qualification for the Collegian Nationals that will be held in March 2023.
“I’m very focused and disciplined in my training programme, and I give my all during practices, listening attentively to the guidance of my coach, and do exactly what he tells me to do,” she said of the upturn in fortunes.
De Sousa was still on the mend when she made her international comeback on the scene at the African Championships in June, reaching the 100m women’s semi-finals.
It was all part of the process of getting into the best possible shape to realise her potential.
“Training is hard work and sheer determination; it comes with blood, sweat and tears! At times I wonder what and why am I doing this? But then again, I’m reminded that my talent is God’s gift to me, and what I do with it is my gift back to God,” De Sousa said.
“During my down times, I recite Isaiah 40:31 ‘but they who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint’, and that indeed lifts my spirit to face another day of training.”
She hopes to feature beyond the college circuit and compete outside school meets next year.
“It all depends on my school calendar. If meets happen during my holidays, then, by all means. I will be delighted to partake and represent Namibia.”
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
