Zola Pieterse – winning the silver medal at the World Masters Championships 2011 8km Cross Country in the Ladies 45-49 - (Sacramento, USA.)


Zola Pieterse – winning the silver medal at the World Masters Championships 2011 8km Cross Country in the Ladies 45-49 - (Sacramento, USA.)

In 2011, the South African track & field and cross country athlete competed at the World Masters Athletics Championships' 8-kilometer cross country race at Granite Regional Park where she won a silver medal in the Womens 45-49 age group in a time of 29.19 Overall it was the 2nd fastest time of all the categories W35 – 54.

Lettie Saayman finished 5th in the same race with an excellent time of 32.02,25. In the Ladies 55-59 age group, the wellknown long distance and Comrades runner, Frances van Blerk finished 5th with an outstanding time of 36.04.10. All 3 ladies, although 2 years older this year, will still be competing in the same age group if they participate AT the World Champs in Brazil later this year.

After the race Zola had this to say: "Today we were having fun, and there isn't the same pressure as with other international competitions," she said. "I feel privileged to be out here and am glad I can promote the sport responsibly. It's great to see people of all ages competing and to be a part of that."

As we know, Zola has ventured into ultra distance road running and is hoping to run a sub-7hr.30 at Comrades this year. We wish her everything of the best.

Zola has inspired many women, young and old, on the track, in cross country and now on the road. If she decides to participate at the next World Masters Championships in Porto Alegra, Brazil, from 16 – 27 October, it would be interesting to see if she will compete in the marathon event.

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