There’s no dispute that Gerda Steyn will be the heavy favourite for the Two Oceans Marathon in April, and on Monday the ‘Smiling Assassin’ sounded an ominous warning to her competition in the women’s race.
Though the 'Smiling Assassin' will have celebrated her 35th birthday by the time race day comes around, she has shown no signs of slowing down just yet.
The five-time Two Oceans champion, three-time Comrades Marathon winner, will return to the event where she collected the first major victory of her career in 2018, primed for yet another title assault.
Though the humble giant of road-running in South Africa did not predict a win for herself, she said she aimed to be the best version of herself - which is an intimidating thought for any other elite women’s runner in the race.
No matter what
“Year after year, I have followed the same routine and each year I try to learn and build on previous years. I have not stopped thinking about this one day in the year where I have to be the best version of myself, no matter what,” said Steyn in Facebook post on Monday.
“I love it so much. Performance is never guaranteed, but I will once again be doing ALL I CAN to be ready for the 5th of April!!”
Steyn also revealed how much that first win in 2018 meant to her.
“I can’t imagine my running career without this awesome event. The race in 2018 (last slide) was a pivotal moment for me and I remember how overwhelmed I felt winning the race for the first time.
“Li’ll Gerda stepping across the line was NOT prepared for what was about to happen after crossing it.
“A whirlwind of excitement and emotions, but most of all, support from (what feels like) every corner of SA
“A feeling so strong, and a feeling that made me felt like I belong and that I can make a difference.”