In Episode 19 of SportStroom, The Go-To Guy introduces viewers to Marizel Meintjes, a passionate young athlete whose journey into racewalking began in an unexpected way. It all started in Grade 5 when Marizel spotted a woman and her son power-walking near a military base. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination. Her father soon introduced her to veteran coach Cobus Groenewald—and from there, her story began to take shape.
Finding Her Sport
Although she dabbled in various sports including hockey and long-distance running, it was racewalking that truly captivated Marizel. What stood out for her wasn’t just the endurance required, but the intense technical discipline. “Racewalking is not just walking fast,” she explains. “It’s one of the most technical sports in the world.”
Unlike speed or endurance walking, racewalking—an Olympic discipline—requires athletes to keep one foot on the ground at all times and follow strict rules around posture and movement. Marizel thrives in this world of precision and control.
The Mental Game of the Track
Marizel’s favourite events range from 10km to the gruelling 35km and potentially even 50km races. A 10km event on the track means completing 25 laps—an exhausting physical and mental challenge. “You have to be mentally 100% when you step onto that track,” she says. She breaks down each lap in her mind and keeps a sharp eye on her time, always focused on maintaining rhythm and technique.
Her coach calculates exact lap targets—down to the second—to help her chase personal bests. Whether she's aiming for a 54-minute finish or pushing through cramps and fatigue, Marizel’s mental toughness carries her forward.
Pushing Limits with Purpose
Now preparing for a 35km road race in Cape Town, Marizel hopes to beat her previous time and eventually conquer a 50km race—an event typically dominated by men. Her ambitions are clear: to prove that women, too, can excel in the longest events in racewalking.
Her dedication runs deep. Training twice a day, sometimes for three hours at a time, Marizel also hits the gym and maintains a simple but careful diet. On race days, she swears by plain yoghurt, oats, and even a small sip of Coca-Cola to avoid stomach pain.
Overcoming Setbacks and Standing Tall
Marizel doesn’t shy away from discussing the physical challenges she faces. Her unique knee alignment has made her particularly vulnerable to disqualification due to the strict judging of form. After narrowly avoiding disqualification last year, she doubled down on technique training—waking early, training longer, and proving her critics wrong.
She’s also had to navigate the stigma often attached to racewalking. “Some athletes laugh at our sport,” she admits, “until we challenge them to try it themselves.”
Eyes on the Olympics
Despite these challenges, Marizel’s vision remains firmly on the future. She dreams of representing South Africa at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. With a racewalking half-marathon newly added to the programme, her goal feels more attainable than ever.
“I want to qualify,” she says simply. “Even if it takes three years—I’ll do it.”
A Message of Commitment
Above all, Marizel’s journey is one of grit, belief, and relentless effort. Her path isn’t glamorous, but it’s real—and deeply inspiring. She’s proving, one race at a time, that determination can carry you further than doubt ever will.
Watch the Afrikaans interview here:
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