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South African road running star Taylor Kavanagh has declared 2025 as the year of her comeback.
The 23-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club athlete is steadily rediscovering the form that once made her one of the most promising young talents in the country.
Kavanagh produced one of her best performances of the season at the Spar Women’s Challenge 10km in Gqeberha on Saturday, surprising many with a strong second-place finish in 32:01.
She crossed the line just behind Glenrose Xaba of Boxer Athletics Club, who won in 31:57, while Ethiopia’s Salem Gebre settled for third in 32:04.
The race was contested in ideal conditions with hundreds of supporters cheering the elite field to the finish.
The Durban-born athlete has endured her share of injury setbacks in recent years but has shown flashes of brilliance in 2025.
Earlier this year, she won the Durban International 10km and set a new personal best of 31:53 at another event, reinforcing her belief that she is firmly back on track.
“Yes, I would say that I’ve had a couple of years filled with highs and lows. That’s part of being an athlete,” said Kavanagh.
“I had a few setbacks, but this year I’ve found my rhythm again and I’m consistent. It’s been a very good year for me. I’ve focused on races that suit me, gone back to the basics in training, and I’m starting to find the Taylor of old.”
The former national 5km champion told SABC Sport that she was satisfied with her Gqeberha performance.
“I wanted to see how long I could hold on today, and I’m proud of how I ran. I’m really happy to contribute to the podium. The course was nice and flat, and my body responded well. My last race in Durban was tough because I passed out, so today my main goal was to come back stronger — and I’m pleased I did.”
Kavanagh opened up about that Durban setback, where she collapsed at 7km.
“I had a bunch of tests and it turned out I had an infection. I had pushed my body too hard and blacked out. These things happen, but what matters is how you respond, whether it’s to injury or illness. For me, today was about proving I could bounce back from that disappointment."
