Taylor Kavanagh optimistic about new season after recovering from injury

The national 5km champion faced a knee injury and now at 23 years old, she is back in training and focusing on several national races.

With renewed determination and confidence, Kavanagh says she was excited to win the Cape Town 10km event at the end of 2024.

"So 2024 was a tough year for me, I started off really strong and unfortunately I got injured at World Cross Country Champs so that hampered quite a few months where I was out of training and then coming back into races, I was just hopping on to race even though I wasn't fully fit, I was like I need to get out there, just spin my legs,” Kavanagh said.

 “So, it took quite some time to get back into shape and everything but I was very happy to end the year off with a season's best, nice second fastest time in Cape Town when I won Cape Town 10k.

“So, I thought I ended off the year on a better note and I know that going into this year, I'm keeping a really positive mindset and know that I know that it's gonna be a good year ahead. I have some good goals lined up and I'm excited to see what I can achieve this year.”

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The Hollywood Athletics Club member draws inspiration from Glenrose Xaba, the queen of road running and holder of national records in both the 10km and marathon events.

"The biggest lesson I could take from Glenrose with her marathon is the fact that she really progressed and she only ran the marathon when her body was ready for it and she just turned 30 now, I feel that she ran it at a really good time,” she added.

“I mean look, she managed to break the national record in the 10km and her times were so, so fast. So, it just shows you the strength and what the marathon does do for your shorter distances.

“So, very excited when I do move up to the longer distance but for now this year, I'm just focused on the 10km and the 21km and I'd love to get my best time."