DiscoverCTWC: You in a nutshell. Who you are, what you do and where do you come from?
Magda: I am a professional triathlete, qualified Sport Scientist and also the owner of my own Triathlon Club, Trivium Triathlon. I come from a very small-town, Christiana, in the North West. I grew up in this town with the best support any child could ever wish for. My Parents have always played a big part in my training and my love for sport.
I consider myself a developer and always have plans and ideas up my sleeve. I love a challenge and I am always ready to take on something new. I live in the moment and face every challenge day by day.
So me in a nutshell: Chasing adrenaline, living every day to its full potential, finding something that no one has found yet, creating and sharing good stories and just loving all people that cross my path.
Where did your triathlon journey begin?
It all started as a first year at the North West University of Potchefstroom. I was so excited and so focused on starting my track running (middle distance) dream. At first I was disappointed, because I was the only person in the women’s running team, but then Dawie jv Rensburg started the NWU Triathlon club and I decided to join them for training. I figured that I did Biathlon (swimming / running) when I was in school, so why not join the NWU Triathlon Club? It was in 2008 that the triathlon bug bit and I have loved it ever since.
How are you feeling ahead of Race2Stanford – has the training been on track?
Race2Stanford is one race I really wanted to do this year and I made sure to fit it into the schedule. I have never been to Hermanus or that part of the country so I am really excited.
My training has been slightly different the last few weeks and we have been focused on being stronger in some of the other elements of the race.
Have you had a look at the course? How does this route rank against others in the country?
I had a glimpse at the cycling route and it looks tough. The swim will definitely also be a challenge because of the cold water temperatures. You will most probably see me frowning a lot before the start of the race, because I am not a massive fan of cold water! Luckily once the race starts I will shift to racing mode and not react to the temperature. The bike leg I think will suit me well, because I am more of a power triathlete and a strong climber. However, I have seen those climbs and they just never seem to stop. I will definitely feel it on the running leg if we are not efficient enough on the bike. I have also read that Matt (Trautmann), last year’s men’s winner said that this race feels like a 70.3 and a half distance because of the challenging course. I am excited about the run, it looks beautiful and also flat, so I can definitely test my running speed that I have been working on.
How important is it for Cape Town, and the Western Cape, to embrace these kinds of events? Would you like to see an Iron Man event established in the province?
It is great to see more and more quality triathlon races locally. One of the reasons we love this sport is because it takes you places you have never been before, you meet new people and it is a great journey. I have only one one race in the Western Cape at Theewaterskloof and I loved it. I love that the environment is totally different from any other race in South Africa. If an Ironman ever gets established in the Western Cape I will be the first to enter.
You’ve got some big races coming up after Race2Stanford, how does this race factor into the build-up to those races?
Yes, I am racing every weekend in November, which for me is a build-up and training for Ironman 70.3 in East London in January, 2019. Every race is like a puzzle piece, and plays an important role in forming the perfect athlete. Every race I do, I always learn something new. With races like Race2Stanford I can test my limits without too much pressure.
Who are you influenced by?
I have so many amazing people in my life supporting me every day. My coach, Niel du Plessis, is a big influence every day, as he sets standards during session that I never even thought I could reach. He knows me so well, when it’s necessary to push me and when it’s time for me to go home. I also strive every day to influence others and make them believe in themselves. I love to push myself and to take on something and prove to others that anything is possible and doable. If I can just influence one athlete every day, I am happy. In short I am influenced by my coach Niel and other people that I would like to influence and inspire.
Finally, what is your hope for the future?
I am currently at the beginning of my career and I still see myself growing every day. I took a big step and immediately entered as a Pro in the system. I wanted to start the journey as soon as possible with no space for messing around. I see myself competing competitively on the international circuit. My hope for the future is to show that South African female athletes are good enough to be among the top athletes in the world.
