{"id":75527,"date":"2016-07-28T18:53:14","date_gmt":"2016-07-28T16:53:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/prinsloos-rocky-road-to-olympics\/"},"modified":"2016-07-28T18:53:14","modified_gmt":"2016-07-28T16:53:14","slug":"prinsloos-rocky-road-to-olympics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/prinsloos-rocky-road-to-olympics\/","title":{"rendered":"Prinsloo\u2019s rocky road to Olympics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prinsloo\u2019s rocky road to Olympics<\/a>: <\/p>\n

\"Lynique-Prinsloo-LLR\"<\/p>\n

University of Johannesburg long jumper Lynique Prinsloo has set her sights on making the final at the Rio Olympics. Photo: Supplied<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Top South African long jumper Lynique Prinsloo had to battle more than just the qualifying criteria to make her Olympic dream come true.<\/p>\n

Having suffered chronic back pain for three years, the road to her best form and, ultimately, selection for the Rio Olympics team, was a long and winding one.<\/p>\n

“It took me seven years to be where I’m today. It doesn’t just happen overnight,” said the 25-year-old who grew up in Springs.<\/p>\n

“One must never be discouraged. Every setback requires a comeback and one must make sure it’s a good one.”<\/p>\n

The University of Johannesburg education student, who has competed for the national team at world and continental level since 2008, said Rio would undoubtedly be the highlight of her career.<\/p>\n

“My lifetime goal and dream came true. I had to sacrifice so much to be selected for this team, but it made giving up all these things worth it.”<\/p>\n

Prinsloo, who divides her time between Joburg and Pretoria, said she believed she had a good chance of achieving the Olympic benchmark of 6.70m after teaming up with UJ coach Emmarie Fouche this year.<\/p>\n

She did so in dramatic fashion when she leapt to a season’s best of 6.78m on her last attempt at the SA Student Champs in May. Her next goal was now to make the final where she said anything could happen.<\/p>\n

Prinsloo, who has a PB of 6.81m, admitted that being a student-athlete was not easy. Luckily for her, she said, the university supported both her academic and sporting ambitions.<\/p>\n

“Being in contact with your lecturers does help a lot, especially when I’m overseas,” said Prinsloo, who is majoring in physical education and psychology.<\/p>\n

Her faith has also stood her in good stead as she sets about meeting her challenges head-on.<\/p>\n

“God gave me this wonderful ability to jump and, when I do, I feel his presence.”<\/p>\n

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