'Steynless' performance reiterates Gerda's reign

GERDA Steyn remained nonchalantly calm, that famous smile of hers telling the story of an athlete unfazed — even as yet another 'adversary' threw jabs her way.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Steyn had just obliterated the Total-sports Two Oceans Marathon field, running the third-fastest time 3:29:20 — ever recorded by a woman in the world-renowned ultra, to claim her sixth consecutive title. All three of the fastest times on the course now belong to her.

Yet the woman seated to her right at the post-race press conference at UCT Rugby fields was describing the queen of the Two Oceans as 'lucky'.

Chelmet Mururki, who finished runner-up on Saturday morning — a distant eight minutes and 40 seconds behind Steyn — echoed the sentiments of her Entsika Athletic Club teammate, Nobuhle Tshuma, who had thrown a veiled jab at Steyn during the pre-race media conference.

Tshuma had boldly declared, “It is not all about Gerda,” and hinted she could challenge the golden girl of ultra-running. She ultimately placed sixth — 22 minutes adrift of the champion. Muruki, the 2023 City to City 50km winner, followed suit, daring to suggest that Steyn only beat her due to a mishap at a water point.

“I thought I would catch Gerda, but there was just a minor hiccup when I went to fetch water and, unfortunately, she pulled away,” Muruki said.

She also admitted she hadn't known much about the South African star.

“I didn't know Gerda. I know her (Saturday).