MY Story

It was the fulfilment of a dream for Carina van der Merwe (left), sport organiser and marketing manager at Hermanus High School, when she completed the gruelling New York Marathon on Sunday, 4 November. This event is the biggest marathon in the world, drawing more than 50 000 participants annually from around the globe. “I have been running for more than 30 years,” says Carina, who has taken part in numerous marathons, including the Two Oceans (13 times), the Comrades (3 times) and the Paris Marathon in France. “Unfortunately I’ve been plagued with a back injury for the past three years, but then I decided it’s now or never!” Carina was accompanied by two friends, Karen de Bruyn, who had taken part in a few marathons with Carina in the past, and Hanli Grant, who ran her first ever marathon in New York. The three women ran an excellent race, with Carina finishing the 42 km marathon in a time of 4:16, Karen in 5:26 and Hanli in 5:59.

The Grade 4 Afrikaans and English classes of Hermanus Primary School would like to thank SANSA (South African National Space Agency) for their assistance with the launching of their space crafts. This assignment formed part of the term’s Natural Science and Technology project which the learners embraced with enthusiasm. In front are Dane Prak, Laney Pienaar, Kate Taljaard, Hannah Joubert and Ana Voigt. In the middle row are Clarissa Labuschagne, Caylin du Plessis, U-Kaylin Coert and Sarah Maree, and at the back are Jaylin Charles, Maela Roux, Karlia Schneeberger and Helen Ackermann.

GOLDEN GIRL

Local bodybuilder Annemarie Barnard (45) competed in her last show for the year, the Gentle Giant Classic in Boksburg from 26-27 October. She competed in Ladies Physique and faced a tough line-up but once again brought home gold. Annemarie made Hermanus extremely proud earlier this year when she participated in the IFBBSA (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness of South Africa) and brought home a gold from the provincials in Cape Town, followed by another gold from the nationals in Johannesburg. Apart from winning first place in her category, Annemarie also received R10 000 and was invited to compete in one of the bigger shows next year, the Arnold Classic, which will take place in May. "Bodybuilding has become a way of life and I love the sport! It keeps me focused and disciplined. It gives me such a sense of pride to know that I have achieved something that most women my age would never attempt," says Annemarie when asked why she competes. Overberg's fitness competitors are always known to place among the top in their categories, which shows the level at which our local athletes train. We look forward to their future successes.

PHOTO: SKJ Photography