Ester Mbathera
Much like the universally loved eternal sports fan, the late Robson ‘Robbie’ Savage, when it comes to passion, dedication, and national pride, few embody these qualities as fiercely as Wilika Shigwedha-Carr, affectionately known as “Wicks.”.
Wilika, who hails from Soweto’s Farao Street in Windhoek, has become a constant and powerful presence at international sporting events, cheering on Namibian athletes with unparalleled enthusiasm in Europe.
Whether waving the Namibian flag at major tournaments or encouraging athletes with infectious energy, Wilika’s impact goes beyond mere fandom – it is a full-scale sports ambassadorship.
Athletics is not just a pastime for Wilika, it’s part of who she is.
“I think my passion for athletics and sport in general is just strongly embedded in my DNA. Hence, I ooze with passion when I watch sports or participate in athletics. My involvement in athletics dates back to my A. Shipena years. My PE teacher at A. Shipena Secondary School, Ms. Olivier, recognised my potential and encouraged me and my school friends, including Moses Maasdorp, Esther Haixwema-Mbathera, Rauna Paulus, and Emily Michael, to participate in external club races such as the ‘Wanderers Club’. We consistently placed in the top 3/5, primarily in the top 3. It was really cool and exciting, as I was always looking forward to receiving my ‘prize’ at the assembly after the weekend races,” she said.
Her sporting prowess didn’t stop in school.
Today, Wilika remains an active veteran sprinter, training rigorously under the guidance of her coach, Antoinette Inniss-Haycox. Competing in the 100m and 200m, Wilika proudly showcases times that rank her among the best in her age group in the UK.
“I am the oldest female sprinter in my training squad, and I proudly take on the Millennials and GenZs during training and races. My age group rankings in the UK are impressive. Look at the ‘PowerOf10’ website. I take pride in my achievements as a 200m and 100m county medal winner for 5 years or so and many more wins,” she says with a laugh.
What sets Wilika apart is her unwavering support for Namibian athletes, particularly when they compete on foreign soil.
From the Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth Games to rugby and Formula 1 events, Wilika travels extensively, making her presence felt wherever Namibian colours fly.
So, what drives this globetrotting superfan?
“It’s passion, Namibian pride and compatriotism, appreciation, more than anything, to support and be an active Namibian sport ambassador for our motherland. Our athletes should feel a sense of love for our land of the brave. Just imagine as an athlete hearing someone shouting your name, seeing your national flag, and to top it, having fans dancing and cheering for you. That’s priceless sports psychology. Who needs a sports psychologist when you can have fans like ‘Wicks’? Sports psychologist chill I am not trying to make you redundant. We are just part of the ingredients,” she said.
Wilika’s journey as a superfan has been filled with unforgettable experiences.
One such moment came during the 2012 London Olympics, where she met members of the Namibian marathon and Paralympic teams.
“It was such an exciting moment. Rugby World Cup 2015 meeting the teams during the Argentina vs Namibia game. It was an epic game in 2016/2017. I went to watch F1 at Silverstone and as a proud Namibian, I broke the unwritten ‘code of conduct’ and flew my Namibian flag so high and proudly while greeting Lewis Hamilton during their parade, and after the race, I kept interrupting his team boss, Toto Wolff, asking, ‘When are you bringing F1 to Namibia/Africa? I was so insistent, and not long did Lewis Hamilton recognise there were ‘flags/fans from countries I don’t even know’ and he must have looked it up Namibian Flag,’ she said.
Her persistence in asking when Formula 1 would come to Namibia paid off when Hamilton acknowledged the Namibian flag and later visited the country.
Wilika’s belief in the power of fan support is strong.
She understands that athletes face immense pressures and challenges behind the scenes, challenges that fans often don’t see.
“They are the ones who work hard behind the scenes. We don’t see the struggle they go through. We only see the finished product, and at that point, the finished product can be just as vulnerable, and that’s when they need our support the most. Of course, we also recognise the entire team and the sports community at large, but my love and passion go out to all athletes and all their abilities, and this is inclusive of the grassroots athletes who so ‘desperately’ want to exercise their maximum talents/gifts and pursue their sports goals under difficult circumstances,” she said.
She also encourages Namibians everywhere to stand up for their athletes.
“We are a small nation, and Namibia is not known that well. People frequently ask me where our country’s flag originates from. That’s to show that we are not known for. To make ourselves visible and known, we should take pride in our national colours and fly them high with pride,” she urges.
Wilika is confident that her unwavering support has made a tangible difference.
“I’m sure my presence and encouragement have had a positive impact. Just look at the qualifying times and the wins,” she says with a playful grin.
Wilika continues her journey, supporting Namibian athletes across the globe, her message to the athletes and the Namibian community remains clear.
“Athletes have a whole team (ingredients) to help them get to the start line, but we, the fans, are part of that recipe, so our ingredients should be the supporters. Love, motivation, positive vibes, pride, patriotism and gratitude during the high moments and low moments equate to ‘priceless sport psychology’ for the athletes, content athletes translate into maximum performances coupled with a chance to win Ne!. I am sure my support has a positive impact, hence the qualifying times and wins mos,” she said.
As she signs off, she leaves us with one last thought… “I’m oozing with maximum Namibian pride and gratitude to the athletes and the entire team. Onwards, Land of the Brave!”
