"Crossing the finishing line was overwhelming" – Mbisha reflects on SA Champs success

It's been nearly a week since Joviale Mbisha won the women's 100m national title at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Senior Track & Field Championships in Potchefstroom, but the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) sprinter admits that it's still feels unreal to be SA Champion. "It honestly hasn't sunk in yet," she told #TheTopRunner. "The emotions were overwhelming when I crossed the line. Everything felt so surreal thinking back on the battles I had to overcome to get to that moment."

An overwhelmed Mbisha moments after being crowed the fastest woman in South Africa. Photo Credit: Central Gauteng Athletics.

Mbisha downed a strong field that including her provincial teammate, Hannah Hope Vermaak, to win her first national title in 11:48, beating the Free State duo of Gabriella Marais (11:55) and 17-year old Rume Burger (11:58), who were second and third, respectively.

Burger denied her the sprint double when she won the 200m dash in 23.49, with Mbisha second in a lifetime best 23.59. The University of Johannesburg top runner nevertheless capped off a good championship with another gold medal as part of CGA's 4x100m women's relay team. Looking back on her journey to the crown inside the Puk McArthur Stadium last Thursday 24 April, the 24-year-old believes that it was a victory over every battle she had ever fought.

"Crossing the finishing line was an overwhelming feeling of joy and relief. I thought about how far I had come and the number of times I almost gave up. I thought about my resilience, about the days in training when I wasn't hitting the marks and when my body felt like I couldn't take it anymore," she shared.

Mbisha started the race well on the way to winning the ASA Senior Track & Field Championships gold medal in the women's 100m. Photo Credit: Central Gauteng Athletics.

Mbisha, who also won gold as part of the women's 4x100m relay team at the FISU World University Games in China in 2023, expressed gratitude to coach Reneilwe Aphane for his unwavering support, guidance and dedication.

"My coach stood by me. He lifted me when I was at my lowest and reminded me every day that quitting was never an option. He walked me through the valleys and constantly reminded me that where there’' a will, there's a way. So the moment I broke that tape, it wasn't just a victory on the clock, but a victory over every battle I had fought behind the scenes."

Mbisha is expected to represent the Orange Army of UJ at the Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria from 1 to 3 May at the 2025 USSA Track and Field Championships. Photo Credit: Central Gauteng Athletics.

Asked about the changes or improvements in her training that made the biggest difference this season, Mbisha said her faith was her rock. "This season was about spiritual and mental transformation. Truthfully, I didn't think I would have a season. Health challenges made my training days feel almost impossible. But I learnt to fight differently. I stood firmly on my faith. My Bible became my weapon. I had to reframe every setback with belief, hope and a stubborn refusal to give up," Mbisha said.

Looking ahead, the sprinter said becoming a national champion was a step toward a much bigger vision. "The focus now shifts towards the European season, world students games and building towards the dream of the world championships in Tokyo, and ultimately the Olympic Games. But beyond the medals and records, my goal is to grow, become faster, stronger and better in the parts of my race that need refining."