Hilarius Hamutenya
Long-distance runner Helalia Johannes said she will no longer participate in major events such as the World Championship, Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games.
She told the Windhoek Observer newspaper on Tuesday.
“I am an old person now, and the competition level is high compared to my level and age,” she said.
The 44-year-old member of the Namibia Defence Force said she will be focussing on doing exercises for flexibility.
“I will only continue doing the flexibility training and sports activities for my health and lifestyle,” she said.
According to Johannes, she likes trying her best in sports, but it is no longer easy for her.
She posted on a Facebook group of athletes over the age of 50, saying she is motivated to continue running for fun and to keep a healthy style.
“The post has encouraged me to continue competing in events, and I never believed that I could not run after 50 years,” she mentioned.
Johannes added that she intends to start a sports foundation for young people who aspire to be long-distance runners.
“I am planning to come up with the foundation for the younger generation, especially for those who want to follow in my footsteps, long-distance runner-marathon ethics,” she explained.
Johannes encouraged young individuals who aspire to excel in sports to demonstrate commitment and make their dreams a reality.
Johannes, born in Oshali, Ohangwena region, holds the Namibian records in the 10 km, 20 km, and half marathon.
She is the country’s most decorated long-distance athlete, with a gold medal from the Commonwealth Games coast 2018 in Australia, a bronze medal at the Doha World Championship in 2019, and a bronze medal at Commonwealth Birmingham 2022.
She recently returned from her last Olympics in Paris, France, where she ended 68th in the women’s marathon.
She became a World Championships bronze medallist in the marathon, represented the country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2012 London Olympics, and 2018 Commonwealth Games, and has won medals at the World Championships.
“Everyone has a dream, but you must be disciplined, focused, and determined toward the dream,” she encouraged.
She said the country needs more people to participate in major athletic events such as the Commonwealth Games, World Championship, and the Olympic Games.
