Gerda Steyn sets sights on Olympic Games after historic record-breaking Comrades

No local runner has ever completed the Two Oceans marathon, Oom die Dam marathon, won the Ultimate Human Race, and then competed in the Olympic Games within the same year. Having earned R2 million for her remarkable run, Steyn is now setting sights on the upcoming Olympics, scheduled for Paris from 26 July to 11 August.

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''I am sure it has never been done before, for an athlete to do both the Comrades and the Olympics in the same year. It is a big challenge I have set for myself, I will do my best to make everyone  proud, I believe it is possible,'' said Steyn.

Steyn has achieved unparalleled success in South African road running, shattering numerous records in standard marathons and ultra-marathons. With such a distinguished career, it is challenging for her to pinpoint which year is her best.

''For me personally this year, I sat and wrote my goals down. But as an athlete there's so many things that can influence that, so many things that have to go according to the plan. I am so humbled for the year that I had, building from last year,'' added Styen.

Steyn believes that her victory in three ultra-marathons this year – Oom die, Dam, Two Oceans, and now the Comrades Marathon - could pave the way for her to tackle the 42.2km marathon at the Olympic Games in August.

''At the Olympics it is quite heavy as well, I feel like this will count in my favour. I will be focusing on my speed and on track workouts and on getting my legs strong and fast,'' she concluded.

Steyn, the only South African among the top three finishers, placed ahead of Alexandra Morozova, who competed under a neutral flag and finished in 6:05:12, and Courtney Olsen, who secured third place with the same time of 6:05:12.

Steyn stated that she won the Comrades Marathon to inspire the younger generation and dedicated her victory to all South Africans.

For her, achieving success at this year’s Paris Olympics would mean improving her 15th-place finish in the Olympic Marathon held in Tokyo, Japan in 2020.