'I'm an ambassador for my sport and country' - Chemené Mentz upbeat as athletics gets underway at Region 5 Youth Games

Middle-distance prospect Chemené Mentz was overwhelmed with pride, joy and disbelief after being selected to represent South Africa at the Region 5 Youth Games which kicked off in Namibia last Friday (4 July) and will end on Sunday 13 July. Mentz, daughter of former Lions, Sharks and Springboks winger Henno Mentz, is among the 24 runners in the 198-athlete squad selected by the SASCOC to compete at the multi-disciplinary regional event which features ten countries (Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and twelve sporting codes. 

"I was in shock. It's an opportunity I never thought I would get this year. I had dreamed about it for so long and it suddenly became real. I sat down in silence for a minute and allowed it to sink in. I thought about all the early mornings, injuries and setbacks. It all felt worth it in that moment," she said. 

Chemené Mentz will represent the country at the Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia. Photo Credit: Supplied.

Mentz' selection to compete in her specialist 800m, comes after the 17-year-old earned a silver medal in the two-lap event at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) U16, U18, U20 and U23 Track and Field championships in Cape Town in March, where she clocked 2:11.66 for second place. Coached by Michael van Aswegen, she told #TheTopRunner. that she wouldn't be running for herself alone in Namibia, but also for the entire country, especially all the people who have supported her throughout her career.

"Every time I step out to compete, I carry their hopes and pride with me. That gives my performance a deeper meaning. Personally, it's a dream come true. I remember watching athletes compete on the world stage and hoping that one day I would also compete at that level. Now that I'm here, I don't take it for granted. I'm an ambassador for my sport and country," said Mentz. 

Mentz has represented her province CGA for a number of years. Here she is pictured with then coach Riaan Strydom and her training partners in 2021 before going to compete at the SA Cross Country Championships. Photo Credit: Supplied.

The Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) runner understands that the event launched the careers of athletes like world 400m record holder, Wayde van Niekerk and hopes to leave an indelible mark once she dons the green and gold. 

"I'm aiming for a PB and hopefully a place on the podium. But more than anything, I want to walk away knowing I gave it everything I had."

Asked about her long-term goals, Helpmekaar College learner said, "they go beyond just winning medals. I want to build a career that reflects both excellence and purpose. I also have goals off the field. I want to use my platform to inspire younger athletes - especially those from smaller communities or have faced challenges like I did. Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy of hard work, resilience and integrity."