Viwe Jingqi sets sights on podium at World Athletics Jr Champs

Earlier this year, Jingqi made a remarkable comeback from a long-term injury, clinching her first senior championship title at just 19 years old.

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Now, she is confident in her ability to medal in all three 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events.

As she prepares for her final junior championships, Jingqi told SABC Sport that she feels healthy, in peak condition, and ready to deliver her best performance yet.

"After the nationals, this year has been hectic. I hit a rough patch, but once I got to Europe and saw how intense the competition is, it was a wake-up call that made me step up my game," said Jingqi.

"If we’re all on the start line together, it means we deserve to be there. I need to stay focused on myself and not let nerves get in the way-if I can manage that, I believe I can medal in Peru.

"Dealing with a long-term hamstring injury has been tough, but winning the senior national title in April really boosted my confidence."

For Jingqi and her coach Paul Gorries, the first two junior championships were focused on gaining crucial experience. However, this upcoming competition, her final one as a junior, is all about securing a spot on the podium.

"The last two world juniors were about gaining experience. Now that we have it, we’re not just participating. We are aiming for medals and raising our standards," she added.

"I don’t like to put too much pressure on myself, but sometimes it’s necessary. You can’t keep running without setting goals, and now that I have the experience, the goal is to win medals.

“I’ll be competing in the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay, and I’m fully committed to each event. The 100m comes first, and I’ll be fit and ready for it. I know I’ll be fresh for the 100m, but I can’t predict how things will go in the 200m and the relay."

Jingqi reflected on the difference between racing against juniors and seniors in South Africa.

“I hope this doesn’t come across as disrespectful. In South Africa, how can I put it? I believe the juniors perform better compared to the seniors, but not in a negative way.

"The South African juniors and seniors don’t intimidate me much within the country. It’s always different when I compete internationally; that’s when I face a real challenge,” she explained.