Phalula eyes Rio 2016
LEBOGANG Phalula has set her eyes on qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Speaking at the Spar Grand Prix awards yesterday, held at Buitengeluk in Fourways – where she was presented with a cheque for R150 000 for clinching the Grand Prix – Phalula said with the holiday season upon us, she wouldn’t be enjoying much of a break as her preparations are about to start.
“I am going to Cape Town with my family tomorrow, just to spend some time with them. It will only be for a few days as I have to prepare myself for the upcoming year because I want to qualify for the Olympics,” she revealed.
“It has been a great year for me, so I don’t want it to stop. I want to continue doing well – which is why I have to start training as early as possible.”
Phalula had a magnificent season, getting podium finishes in all the Grand Prix series which saw her topping the standings with a massive 95 points.
“It is all God’s work. It is pretty amazing how life can turn out sometimes. One minute you are down and the next minute you are up there.
“I am overwhelmed by my achievements thus far and I want to carry on doing well,” said Phalula. “I owe all my accomplishments to my family, my twin sister and my fiancé.
“These are the people who keep me going. Their support is enormous and I don’t know how I can thank them.”
Having experienced some setbacks in her career when she was banned for doping in 2013, the athlete now says she looks back at the ordeal and smiles.
“I take a look back at it and I say I am glad that it happened; it was an honest mistake.
“I took something which I did not really know about and I would like to say to the person who gave it to me, thank you,” she said.
“That gave me time to think about my future and what I want in life. During those moments, I got support from my fiancé, who was my boyfriend back then. And he stood by my side the whole time. And of course my family and friends, as well my sister.”
“My fiancé and I have been planning to buy a house, so this money will help in doing that.
“Remember this is not the end, as I am determined to win the Spar Grand Prix again next year.”