Athletics Hurdler champion, Lindsay Hanekom is fresh, very hungry to succeed and definitely next generation athletics on its way up. Just recently in front of a Cape Town crowd, this Cape Town born TUKS athlete did a brilliant Personal Best at the ASA Night Series with a time of 49.81s. He is proudly coached by Nico van Heerden who has full confidence in his abilities and big dreams. The Rio Olympic qualifying A-standard time is is 49.40s. One very noticeable aspect about Lindsay is his deep seated faith in God, and his desire to bring glory to His name through his talents and successes. He also says “I am a fun, loving and caring person. I am a sport fanatic. I strive to remain the humbled and hardworking athlete”.
Image Creds – Tucks Athletics
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
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| Name & Surname | Lindsay Hanekom |
| Nick Name | Linzor |
| Date of birth | 15 May 1993 |
| Place of birth | Western cape |
| Current City | Pretoria |
| Height | 1.76m |
| Weight | 67kg |
| Shoe Size | 8 |
| Club | Tuks athletics club |
| Coach’s Name | Nico van Heerden |
| Out of Country events | 2015 World Student Games South-Korea (Gwangju) |
| Secondary Sports | Soccer, Cricket |
| Favorite City | Monaco |
| Favorite Song/ type of music | Photograph Ed-Sheeren |
| Favorite Movie | 3 Ninjas |
| School & Grade | Blackheath secondary school Grade 12 |
| Tertiary Inst Name/ Year | University of Pretoria 2016 |
| Tertiary degree/ diploma | Sport science certificate |
| Sponsors | Adidas SA, HpcRsa |
| Twitter
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Twitter-@lindzor93
Instagram- lindsay hanekom Facebook-lindsay hanekom |
| Parents Names, siblings | Father-Willem Hanekom
Mother-Marian Hanekom |
INTERVIEW:
Q: You are passionate about and doing brilliantly in Athletics tell me a little bit about how you started in Athletics and your journey in the Athletics arena up to now?
I have been doing athletics since primary school. I used to be a average long distance athlete. The transition came in high school where I felt I needed to do shorter distance events. 400m and 110m Hurdles was the events I participated in at high school championships. My very first coach then said I must do 400m Hurdles because I can make the provincial athletics team very easily. Ever since I have been doing 400m Hurdles and over past years I was able to surprisingly drop my 400mh times to where I am now which is 49.90s.
Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Athletics and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My highest accolade in athletics was to be able to compete at the 2015 World Student Games in South-Korea (Gwangju). It remains a great moment in my career because it was my very first International competition and also my first time representing my country. My greatest personal accomplishment was to come out of a 3 week injury and run my very first 2016 400mh race in a time of 49.90s which also is my personal best.
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?
Education is power. Education is life guaranteed. Education to build your dreams and shape your future.
Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey?
An Olympic athlete once said “track and field doesn’t define me. It is my Faith that defines me”. Where I currently am in life is only through the Grace of God. The Lord gave me this God-given talent and I want to make use of it to the best of my ability after all He sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sin. I just want to glorify His name in everything that I do in life.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I hang out with my friends. We either play dominoes, cards or watch other sporting codes.
Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?
Work your hardest. Dream your biggest. Be your greatest.
Q: Favourite Bible Verse?
Luke 18:27 that says “The things that seem Impossible by men is possible by God.
Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life? How do you define a successful person?
Successful person to me is someone who rises above their circumstances, who is willing to work hard, to sacrifice and chase their dreams.
Q: What’s your WHY ?
I do athletics because I love Running and I enjoy every moment of the success I reap. To achieve the objectives that I have set for myself would be a dream come true. I just want to be successful not for the fame, but to inspire others that are coming after me to also achieve their dreams.
Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African and African youth and our nation?
Make God the centre piece of your life. Whatever you do in life put God first and chase your dreams no matter how unattainable others think it might be.
Q: What are your plans for 2016?
I would like to win the 400mh South-African Senior title at the upcoming national championships. Represent South Africa at the African Senior championships. Also to compete in the European circuit later in the year and of course try to run the A-qualifying standard for the Olympic games in August.
Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!
NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.
