Oldknow had initially hoped to secure her place through the marathon, but with the event excluded, she is embracing the opportunity to try something different.

After an injury-disrupted year in 2025, the Hollywood Athletics Club athlete has shown encouraging signs of a comeback, earning selection for South Africa’s senior women’s 10 km team at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida.

The past year tested her resilience, with injuries and personal challenges limiting her appearances and prompting questions about her absence from competition. True to form, however, Oldknow has rebounded and is optimistic about what lies ahead, starting with a bid to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.

“I was hoping to secure my place in the marathon, but since they no longer offer that event, I want to try something different by going back to the track,” Oldknow told SABC Sport. “I can confirm that I’ll be competing in the 10 000m and 5 000m and will see which one helps me book my spot in the team.”

READ: Cian Oldknow: I am not done with marathon

Oldknow was South Africa’s highest-placed finisher in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, finishing 32nd in 2:30:29 on her Olympic debut, ahead of seasoned campaigners Irvette Van Zyl and Gerda Steyn. She followed that up with a series of marathon and half-marathon victories during a standout 2024 season.

“I just need to give myself time and believe that I can get back to the level I was at in 2024,” she said. “I went through a rough patch with injuries and on the personal front, but I’m training again, fit and healthy.”

Looking further ahead, Oldknow has her sights set on qualifying for her second Olympic Games marathon at Los Angeles 2028. She plans to use this season to rebuild on the roads, with a few marathon outings to sharpen her form.

“I’m planning to do a few marathons, and I’m excited about what I can achieve this year,” she added. “I feel ready for the new season.”

GILBERTO SILVA

African nations can dream big – Gilberto Silva

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