Hitekalute aims for the stars
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
WINDHOEK
At the tender age of 21 and blessed with a powerful throw, Paralympian Martha Hitekalute has what it takes to become Namibia's next sporting superstar.
Born at Keetmanshoop on 6 December 1998, Hitekalute's parents knew she was remarkable from the onset.
As a child, her passion for athletics grew and she said she has always wanted to emulate those she watched on television.
Despite her physical challenges, Hitekalute has soldiered on through her worst moments to become part of an important crop of upcoming Paralympians.
Passion
She is just two years into her Paralympics career, but the T37 shot-put and discus thrower is aiming for the stars.
“I am doing my best to become a person many doubted I would be after I was born.
“My aim is to compete at the Paralympics Games and I am sure that the passion I have for this sport will eventually get me there.”
Hard work
Hitekalute is geared towards working hard, the only way to get to the top, she said.
The Paralympian has maintained her discipline, despite the challenges and temptations that have come her way.
“The truth is, talk is cheap and I know the only way I can make it out there is by working hard and ensuring that I am in the best shape physically.”
In 2019, this hard work paid off for Hitekalute when she won two bronze medals for discus in Marrakech, Morocco.
Road to 2024
While she hasn't qualified for the Tokyo sporting spectacular, which has been postponed to next year, Hitekalute has her sights set on the 2024 Paralympics.
Like her veteran compatriots Johanna Benson, Ananias Shikongo, Reginald Benade, Johannes Nambala and Lahja Ishitile, who all rose from the dust to win life-changing medals and earn honour for the country, Hitekalute can smell her glory from four years away.
“We are back to training now and it is indeed time to work harder because the coronavirus pandemic gave us time to reflect on what we could do better.
“I am back, rejuvenated and ready to throw some puts and discus right up to the air.”
WINDHOEK
At the tender age of 21 and blessed with a powerful throw, Paralympian Martha Hitekalute has what it takes to become Namibia's next sporting superstar.
Born at Keetmanshoop on 6 December 1998, Hitekalute's parents knew she was remarkable from the onset.
As a child, her passion for athletics grew and she said she has always wanted to emulate those she watched on television.
Despite her physical challenges, Hitekalute has soldiered on through her worst moments to become part of an important crop of upcoming Paralympians.
Passion
She is just two years into her Paralympics career, but the T37 shot-put and discus thrower is aiming for the stars.
“I am doing my best to become a person many doubted I would be after I was born.
“My aim is to compete at the Paralympics Games and I am sure that the passion I have for this sport will eventually get me there.”
Hard work
Hitekalute is geared towards working hard, the only way to get to the top, she said.
The Paralympian has maintained her discipline, despite the challenges and temptations that have come her way.
“The truth is, talk is cheap and I know the only way I can make it out there is by working hard and ensuring that I am in the best shape physically.”
In 2019, this hard work paid off for Hitekalute when she won two bronze medals for discus in Marrakech, Morocco.
Road to 2024
While she hasn't qualified for the Tokyo sporting spectacular, which has been postponed to next year, Hitekalute has her sights set on the 2024 Paralympics.
Like her veteran compatriots Johanna Benson, Ananias Shikongo, Reginald Benade, Johannes Nambala and Lahja Ishitile, who all rose from the dust to win life-changing medals and earn honour for the country, Hitekalute can smell her glory from four years away.
“We are back to training now and it is indeed time to work harder because the coronavirus pandemic gave us time to reflect on what we could do better.
“I am back, rejuvenated and ready to throw some puts and discus right up to the air.”
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