This weekend, I had the opportunity to compete in a local track meet called ISAC (International Schools Athletic Championship), where I faced some of the toughest competition. While I am used to competing against all-rounders because of SAISA, this meet featured local competitors who had the advantage of larger teams with individuals who specialized in specific events. 

To evaluate my performance in this unique environment, I examined my results compared to the highly specialized competitors, assessed the impact of team size on performance, and developed strategies to overcome adversity and excel despite being outnumbered. 

 

ISAC is different to SAISA in many ways as there are many more events, ones that OSC doesn’t even do, like the 60m sprint, javelin and hurdles. For this event, I was to compete in shot put, discus, 100m, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay. 

I was stressed for all these events, and despite my performing well during SAISA, ISAC was at a whole other level. The age groups in this competition are different to that of SAISA. SAISA has three age groups: 10-12, 13-14 and 15-19. However, the age groups in ISAC are determined by the age one turns at the start of 2023. I will be turning 18; therefore, I was registered under the U20 category and not the U18. 

This was one of the reasons I was stressed. This meant that the people in my age group would all be older and much more experienced than me in these events. 

Another reason I was stressed was that my events were sometimes so close together. On Day 1, I had shot-put at 16:00 and my 4x100m relay at 16:20. This was a major issue as I would have to go back and forth to ensure I was checked in and marshalling for both events. 

I ended up rushing the shot-put because there were some issues with the marshalling, and the officials did not understand that I had to leave. Unfortunately, there was no one else in the shot put who was in the same situation as me since all of them were only throwers and not sprinters. 

After finishing my first three throws, I rushed to stand in line for the relay with my relay team but then was called back because I was a finalist. This caught me by surprise. It meant I had three more throws to make. Just as I was about to do my third throw, it was my final call for the relay, so my team came to get me just in time. 

I did not do my best in shot put, I was nowhere near my PB, but despite this, I am glad I competed as I got to meet some really good throwers who had even exceeded the meet records insanely impressive. 

I had several clashes in my event schedule. The next day I had to miss my 100m dash for discus because they took place simultaneously, and there were issues with the officials as they would not let me leave the discus vicinity to check in for my sprint. 

The 4x400m relay was our last event and was what I was most stressed about, as I knew we would be competing against some really good runners. The relay was quite chaotic as I died out too soon due to a lack of practice. I had also messed up the changeover as I ended up stepping on Maya’s (our anchor) spikes and ripping them; she also almost fell as she started running.

 

It is fair to say that my performance in ISAC was nowhere near as good as in SAISA, but I am glad to have participated. The sheer physical prowess of these athletes was remarkable, and it was inspiring to witness firsthand their commitment to excellence. Seeing the athletes push themselves to the limit and then go above and beyond was truly inspiring. It was a reminder of the power of hard work and dedication and a great way to experience the joy of competition.

It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on my time as part of the track team. These experiences have been some of the most meaningful and enjoyable of my life, and I will miss my track team dearly. They have been a constant source of support and motivation for me, and it will be difficult for me to find the same connections elsewhere. My experiences with my teammates have left a lasting impression on me, and my bond with my team will stay with me for years to come. I will always fondly reflect on my days with my teammates and cherish our memories.

 

Learning Outcomes: 

• LO1: Identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth.
• LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
• LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.