Athletics’ golden girl, Michaela Wright

Michaela Wright is an athletic force to be reckoned with after breaking the national record for long jump at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA).

It has not been an easy feat for the Grade 10 pupil of Maragon High School. Two years ago, she sustained multiple injuries that threatened her athletic ability.

“I didn’t make it to the Gauteng Championships because I had so many injuries and I was constantly in rehab. I had never really done too well at the provincial championships – I would make it to SA Championships but I would take fourth place.”

In 2014, Wright tore her hamstring in the first heat of the 100m, unfortunately sending her back to rehab. Being the hard-working athlete, she stayed strong and only focused on the goal in sight, although it may have been blurry from time to time.

The 16-year-old began to up her training schedule and worked on improving herself. This season, she started doing additional training and rehab.

Couple that with her sprinting and she was ready to take on the CGA.

She is currently the reigning champ and broke the SA 5.45m long jump record with a 5.67m jump. She also took the gold status at the CGA championships after securing a 5.3m jump.

“I can only thank God for the awesome daughter that Michaela is. She is a positive, hardworking go-getter and she stays close to God in everything she does. I am incredibly proud of her,” said the athlete’s mother Celeste Pillay.

“There is a quote that reminds me of her, Let her sleep for when she wakes she will move mountains,” Pillay added.

A true reflection of a little perseverance goes a long way – Michaela came fourth in the 200m at the CGA, quite a feat considering she took part in an age group a year older than her.