Marlie Viljoen felt like her world had come crashing down during a recent injury-enforced spell on the sidelines. As she gears up to defend her 400m title at the FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, on Monday, she realises it may have been a blessing in disguise.
In March, the Tuks student was in high spirits after setting a personal best of 51.42 seconds in the 400m. She was convinced she was capable of even faster times.
It didn’t happen; within days, every step she took on the track was accompanied by pain. It became unbearable after a race in Botswana, so she went to the doctor. A scan revealed she had suffered a stress fracture. For three weeks, she had to get by on crutches.
Crippling blow
“It was as if my world had come crashing down. I was in the best shape of my life, but now I couldn’t participate in the South African Championships or the national student meet,” the South African one-lap star said.
“The worst thing was that I had to withdraw from the World Relays after being a member of the 4x400m team that had broken the South African record.
“I almost gave in to total self-pity. Sitting in the stands watching the women’s 400m finals at the national championships was agonising. I should have been on the track racing.
“Luckily I realised that feeling sorry for myself wouldn’t get me anywhere. I began doing my rehabilitation exercises with dedication. I worked out at the gym, using weights, rowing, the treadmill, cycling, and swimming.
“The one thing I missed was not being able to run. It made me realise that I was truly an athlete. Running is my passion, and if my body allows me, I will continue to run for some time to come.”
Back on track
Last weekend in Italy, Viljoen ran the 400m for the first time in three months. She finished fifth, in a time of 53.03.
“The injury could be a blessing in disguise. If I hadn’t been injured, I would not have put so much pressure on myself to defend the world student title and run even faster times.
“I am more open-minded now. My only goal is to be the best I can in every race.
“Everyone knows that in the final, anything can happen. Hopefully, I can make South Africans proud again. In the end, all that really matters is knowing that I gave it my all.”
