She’s 24 years old, and a student in her year studying towards a BCom Marketing degree, and also happens to be one of the fastest ladies on the track, but then speed was always going to be her thing, a talent spotted when she was just 10 years old, old enough, they thought, to represent the Boland team!

Another highlight came a few years later, when she was first selected for a national team at the tender age of sixteen, in 2002. How did she manage to push herself to such heights at such an early age? Well, March 2010’s gStar has a little bit of advice, no more than three words, which she’s got for this country’s younger generation: “Never doubt yourself”!

But there’s a real person inside this speed machine, and she acknowledges with a wry smile that chocolate, at the right time, can be the little bit of inspiration she needs. Born in Strand, Cape Town, and currently perusing her studies in Port Elizabeth, gsport is proud to announce its March gStar, Cindy Stewart!

Hello Cindy, thanks for taking time to talk with gsport! Where were you born, and where do you live now?

I was born in Strand, Cape Town in 1985. Attended Rusthof Primary up to grade three, then from grade four attended Hendrik Louw Primary. I attended Hottentots Holland High from grade 8 to 12.

I spent two years studying at the University of the Western Cape, and in 2006 I moved to Port Elizabeth, where I am currently studying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

What makes you a proud South African?

I love the weather, the people, and the fact that SA is so diverse, with 11 languages, that makes it even more interesting. I love the nature and all the tourist attractions, Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, just to name a few. I can go on and on and on …

What nickname do your friends know you by?

Well, I’m probably fortunate not to have a nickname, because you know how weird those names can get (laughs)!

How did you become interested in athletics? When did you first participate, and did you know then that you’d be pretty good at it?

I think it all started when I was only four or five years old … Yes, I know, that soon! I was still in pre-school. My mother was, and still is, a teacher at Rusthof Primary. That particular day they had their color sport, so my mom just stuck me in the race to fill the empty line. I just ran to her because she was standing at the finish. Well, I donno where I came, but I wasn’t last (laughs)!

What stands out for you from when you first participated in competitions?

I remember how competitive athletics use to be. It was a popular sport in South Africa, and whenever there was a big event, like the Engen or ABSA meetings, then the stadiums where packed.

Where you any good at other sports, or other athletic disciplines, or was sprinting always your preference?

I also enjoyed playing netball at school. I received my Boland Colors in 2003.

You’ve started 2010 with two gold medals at the inaugural Yellow Pages Series event in Port Elizabeth, and improved your best time for the year by ½ second in the 100m, and by 0.7 seconds in the 200 ­ what inspired such remarkable times in difficult headwind conditions?

I think the adrenalin and nerves (laughs)! It was my first major event for the season, and I didn’t know what to expect. I went out to give it my best and I’m quite pleased with the start to my season.

You set some blistering times back in 2007, faster even than those you set in the past weekend’s gold-medal winning performances: Can we expect better from you this season?

Yes, 2007 was a good year for me, but 2010 can only be better!

When were you first win national South African colours, and what was the occasion? What does it feel like to represent your country?

I received my first national colours in 2002. I think it was the Youth Games or something, for schools. Every time I’m selected to represent my country, I see it as a great privilege and honor. Therefore I thank God for giving me this wonderful talent, because without it I don’t know if I would ever been able to see place like Italy, France (the Eiffel Tower), Jamaica, Turkey … and the list goes on …

When you’re far away from home, family and friends, what is your favourite way of keeping in touch?

Well nothing beats the good old phone call home ... But sometimes it is too expensive, then I’ll try to sms or email.

What is your regular fitness regime to keep you in shape, and prepared for the sprint track?

I train six days a week on the track, and three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays) in the gym.

Do you have any professional sponsors? How have they helped you make it in the big time?

I am currently on the Eastern Cape Academy of Sport and they assist me with various things, including gym, physio etc. I also have a bursary at the NMMU, which covers most of my study fees.

What is the state of women’s athletics in South Africa’s?

The participation in women’s athletics is very poor. For our provincial champs, we were only two senior ladies in the 100m and 200m races. Even at the recent yellow pages, there were only one female 100m and 200m races, compared to the men, which had two heats for both events.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

When I was still living in Cape Town, my coach told me to always run by the grace of God …

What is a sport you’d most like to participate in, other than athletics?

Definitely tennis … Wimbledon!

Who would you like to acknowledge for having had faith in you, and having supported your career choices?

I have the most awesome parents anybody could ask for. They have always supported me with every decision I make. They made me into the person I am today, and they constantly remind me of how proud they are. They also sacrificed a lot of their time to take me to training or support me when I race.

Also my brothers Shaun and Clayton. They always encourage me to train hard, and just do my best.

What is your biggest wish for 2010?

Firstly I would want to break my personal best time of 11.55 in the 100m, and 23.3 in the 200m. Then I would love to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, and the African champs.

Who are your favourite sports stars?

Novak Jokovic. Roger Federer. Kerron Stewart.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity, and what role does it play in your life?

Femininity to me is a proud woman with confidence, who carries herself well, she looks after her body especially her health, and feels comfortable with the skin she’s in, and she has respect for others and herself.

Sprinters are normally muscular and don’t always look feminine, but I try to keep my appearance lady-like, and also behave like a lady.

Who are your role models?

My mother.

What inspires you?

For athletics- watching a fast race (especially international races).

In life - chocolates … (laughs)!

What is your greatest ambition?

I think it is every athlete’s dream to win an Olympic medal. But also want to be a role model to younger athletes.

Comments

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Murgal Samuels   |2010-04-19 16:11:01 Hello Cindy how are you? When last did i see you? anyway hope you still remember me. Uncle Basie's daughter. Reply 1   0

Annelize Andrews  - Cindy Stewart   |2010-07-05 04:16:29 She is definately a very dedicated athlete, proud of her accomplishments and very humble. Congratulations on the nomination Cindy and the very best of luck to you. Mwah Annelize Reply 1   0

Lezel Stewart   |2010-07-08 19:55:05 hey Cindy,congrats with ur nomination. We're all proud of u. We luv u and all voting for u. Reply 2   0

Shayna-Wells Stewart  - My cuz my inspiration   |2010-07-10 17:36:04 When we had family gatherings Cindy always brought her books with to do her home work on Sunday's. She always sets an example and she definately, has what it takes. She is rolemodel material all the way muwah cuz me love u! Reply 4   0

Maxine Geswind  - Proud of you   |2010-07-24 16:35:16 Hi Cindy Congrats with your nomination. You do not only make SA proud, but we the people of the Strand are also very much proud of you. Luv you..anty Maxi Reply 1   0

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