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18 April 2018
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Gerda Steyn, former Kovsie student and winner of the Two Oceans ultramarathon this year, with her trophy.
Gerda Steyn, female winner of this year’s Two Oceans ultramarathon, says her life has changed for the better in a very short time.
The former Kovsie received an invitation to a world-renowned marathon at the end of the year. She may not reveal the details yet.
Steyn, who studied Quantity Surveying and Construction Management at the University of the Free State (UFS) between 2009 and 2012, was just the third South African to win the Two Oceans since 1994. Her time of 3:39:31 was the second-best in the past seven years. For many she was a surprise winner because she didn’t compete last year and only managed a 14th place in 2016.
“Things really took off since the race (in Cape Town at the end of March). I received a lot of exposure. People say you must try and win the race, but they don’t tell you what will happen after that with all the media attention.
“My next goal is the Comrades for which I started training in the third week of April. I will only decide on my specific goals for the race two weeks beforehand.” She obtained a fourth place last year.
According to Steyn, who is a full-time athlete, she only did a couple of cross country races while she was studying.
“I played a bit of soccer and hockey for my hostel (Soetdoring). I have very fond memories from my university days. A couple of our hostel friends had a reunion after the race in Cape Town and had reason to have a big party.”
UFS Council supports Prof. Jansen
2009-10-26
Statement by Judge Faan Hancke, Chairperson of the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS)
The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) takes note of the current developments regarding the university, and specifically the controversy around the decision of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jonathan Jansen and his management to grant re-admittance to the four students who were expelled in connection with the Reitz incident.
At its meeting of 11 September 2009, the Council had already unanimously expressed its support for Prof. Jansen with regard to the handling of various managerial issues, including that the way for mediation with regard to the legal process about Reitz had to be followed.
The Council remains unequivocally committed to the important process of transformation, and sees Prof. Jansen’s actions in the light of his intention to accomplish reconciliation and manage the larger process of transformation. The Council supports all active attempts to encourage reconciliation and accepts Prof. Jansen’s integrity and bona fides with regard to the handling of this issue.
The Council contents itself with the view that racism, and abusive actions of any nature whatsoever remain inexcusable.
The Council expresses its hope that all stake-holders will find a quick solution to the current dispute in order to ensure that activities on the Main Campus return to normal.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
26 October 2009