Johannes recognised

The Old Mutual Victory Races series, now in its 18th consecutive year, has a new ambassador - Commonwealth gold medallist Helalia Johannes.The biggest road running competition in the country attracts thousands of runners from across the country each year and is widely regarded as a premier event on the Namibian sporting calendar.Johannes, who has been a regular competitor, has won the event eight times.Her performances have spilled over to the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon held annually in Cape Town, South Africa where she has won the title five times. The runner's achievements in athletes have not gone unnoticed, with the organisers of the Old Mutual Victory Races rewarding her for her hard work and participation.The athlete is currently in prime form, following her triumph at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year, where she claimed the gold medal. She also won a bronze medal at the 2011 World Military Games, as well as the All-Africa Games Half Marathon championships in Maputo in the same year.The MTC Sportswomen of the Year award is also her playground, as she won it five times - in 2006, 2011, 2012 and 2017. She is tipped to walk away with the award again this year, after her awesome performance at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.Johannes announced she will retire from international competition after the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which she is looking forward to.The final of the Victory Races series will take place this weekend in the capital. The first leg was held in Swakopmund in June and the second in Keetmanshoop.The first leg of the 21km race was won by Mynhardt Kauanivi, who clinched the men's race, and Johannes in the ladies section.The Keetmanshoop race was won by Kauanivi and Sophia Nambabi.Marathoners Kefas Kondjashili and Josephine Dumeni won the third leg held in Oshakati.According Old Mutual's Shekutaamba Nepembe, the company committed over N$1 million to make this year's event a success.Nepembe further urged all competitors to participate in the final leg, as it is compulsory.He said the club with most participants will receive N$2 500 and the disability group with most participants will take home a laptop to assist with administrative duties.LIMBA MUPETAMI

Johannes recognised

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Johannes recognised

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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