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SA sprinter Gabriella Marais believes the FISU World University Games provided valuable lessons for her athletics career.
The 21-year-old was among Team SA’s medallists in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, after winning bronze in the Women’s 100m.
She told SABC Sport that she was growing in a sport that she recently picked up on the back of being a hockey player.
"It is paying off, but I don't count success with medals, it's just a platform to glorify God, so I'm extremely grateful to be doing this sport, I'm loving it," said Marais.
"Also what I'm getting out of the sport, not in terms of medals but the friends I'm making, me growing closer to God has been a big thing to be thankful for.
"I've learnt quite a lot, but just trusting in God and having that sound mind and also realising that you can find friends here and there, so I'm super grateful for my roommate – we've just been feeding off each other in a very positive way."
The University of Free State student clocked a time of 11.51 seconds for third place, but she was adamant she still had more in the tank.
"I really do believe I'm on the right path, myself and my coach, and the times prior to this was quite good in my training, so I'm not upset about anything but more grateful," she added.
"And, like you said, there's always something to improve on, and just be giving my best everyday and make sure I'm giving my 100 percent, and always pitching up with a good attitude regardless of the circumstances, so that's what you can always expect from me."
