Elana Meyer praises Glenrose Xaba for smashing her national records

Meyer described the 29-year-old as a “special athlete” destined for even greater heights in distance running.

Xaba broke Meyer’s 23-year-old national 10km record last year, clocking 31:12 to shave a second off the previous mark of 31:13.

Just last week, she followed it up by setting a new South African half-marathon (21.1km) record of 1:10:03 at the ASA Road Running Championships in Namakgale, Phalaborwa—surpassing Meyer’s 1999 record of 1:10:44.

With that performance, Xaba now holds national records in the 10km, half-marathon, and marathon distances. 

“I’m so proud of what Glenrose has achieved,” said Meyer. 

“She’s not just a brilliant athlete but also an inspiration to young girls across the country.

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When she broke my 10km record last year, I could see she had even more to give. And now, taking the 21km record and winning the national title last week—she’s truly a phenomenal talent.”

Meyer, who won Olympic silver in the 10,000m at the 1996 Atlanta Games, believes Xaba has the potential to one day break the world record if she maintains her momentum and work ethic.

“She definitely has what it takes,” Meyer told SABC Sport. 

“I’m confident she can take down more of the records I set. What excites me even more is the impact she’ll have on the next generation—her success is helping young athletes believe they can also achieve greatness.”

Meyer, now 58, remains deeply involved in athletics as CEO of a Stellenbosch-based organization focused on athletics, cycling, and education, which also runs bursary initiatives for young talent.

She’s encouraged by the recent progress in women’s long-distance running in South Africa.

“I think we’re heading in the right direction,” she said.

“In the ultra-marathon scene, Gerda Steyn is world-class—she’s operating on another level.

Glenrose has only just started racing marathons and has already broken the national record.