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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 deeply shocked about the passing away of Prof Russel Botman
2014-06-28
Our senior management, staff and students are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing away of Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) during Friday night 27 June 2014.
Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends, especially to his wife Beryl and their children, as well as to the entire community of SU during this difficult time.
Prof Botman was highly regarded by the staff and students of the UFS. "Russel will be remembered for his profound vision of hope for South African education and society and for his deep integrity as a university leader in our turbulent democracy," said the UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Jonathan Jansen.