She is the cannon arm of 1 NWU Battalion and in a few weeks’ time, she and her fellow citizens are going to start their campaign in the theatre of the Pacific Ocean. Yes, Jo-Ané van Dyk is going to the Olympic Games.
This 23-year-old javelin thrower of the North-West University recently blazed her trail to the world’s biggest athletics stage with a personal best throw of 61,19 m, a list of excellent performances, as well as a position as one of the best women’s javelin throwers in the world.
On 3 August in Tokyo, Japan, every supporter’s eyes will be on Jo-Ané when she tries to qualify for the final round of her item. Pressure, pressure and more pressure? “Not really,” laughs the former matriculant of the Outeniqua High School, “it is still sinking in – I think I am still in a bit of denial. But I am very excited. To qualify for the finals may be the stressful part, but I am not afraid. I have competed against big names in the past, and with all the adrenalin flowing through one’s veins on that day, anything can happen.”
“This is a dream come true. When I found out, I told my mother that when I was little I always told them that I would go to the Olympic Games one day.”
After her excellent throw of 61,19 m in die Czech Republic, she feels that her performance is at its best, and she also does not think that the Covid-19 restrictions in Japan are going to get the better of her. On the contrary. “I think it is going to help me in a way. There will be fewer distractions, less time to move around, and therefore I am going to be so much more focused.”
Her coach, Terseus Liebenberg, agrees that Jo-Ané richly deserves her ticket to the Land of the Rising Sun.
“I am overjoyed for her. She is a conscientious, hard worker who has never missed one training session. She received a talent and shows her gratitude by working hard. It is anyone’s dream to go to the Games, and now she can embrace this opportunity. As I have always told her: Enjoy every minute, stay in the moment, and become the moment.”
Jo-Ané van Dyk’s time is now.
