Mbaha builds name on the tracks
At just 16, Kim Mbaha is already learning that success on the track is about more than speed. For the young sprinter, athletics has become a journey of faith, discipline and learning to overcome self-doubt. Mbaha, who competes in the 100m, has represented Namibia at school-level competitions and is beginning to make her mark on... The post Mbaha builds name on the tracks appeared first on New Era.
Black News 
At just 16, Kim Mbaha is already learning that success on the track is about more than speed. For the young sprinter, athletics has become a journey of faith, discipline and learning to overcome self-doubt.
Mbaha, who competes in the 100m, has represented Namibia at school-level competitions and is beginning to make her mark on the national stage.
Her journey has included a bronze medal at the Confederation of Southern African Schools Sports Association (Cosassa) championships, while she has also experienced the pressure and disappointment that come with competitive sport.
“Winning bronze at Cosassa was very significant for me. It is a tough championship with the best from Southern Africa. Coming home with a medal proved to me that Namibian athletes can compete, and it gave me confidence for Nationals,” she said.
Her interest in sprinting started at primary school during inter-school competitions. Even without proper spikes, Mbaha found herself regularly crossing the finish line ahead of her competitors.
“At first I felt it was just nothing compared to the older girls, but slowly I started to believe,” she said.
For Mbaha, however, the biggest challenge has not always been physical. She says the mental side of athletics can be difficult, particularly when doubt creeps in before a race.
Her preparation includes track work from Monday to Friday, focusing on block starts, speed endurance and technique. Saturdays are dedicated to core work and race simulation, while Sundays are reserved for rest and church.
Balancing athletics with school has also required discipline. Mbaha trains after school and studies in the evenings, while her family continues to support her journey.
She credits her faith for helping her navigate moments when she feels overwhelmed or inadequate. Before races, she turns to prayer and reminds herself of her purpose.
“I tell myself to stay in my lane, execute my start, and finish my race,” she said.
Mbaha looks to Namibian sprinting star Christine Mboma as an inspiration, saying Mboma has shown that a Namibian girl can compete on the world stage. Internationally, she admires Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce for her talent, longevity and work ethic.
Her ambitions stretch beyond school athletics. Mbaha wants to lower her personal best time, defend her national title and represent Namibia at major competitions such as the African Championships, African Games and, eventually, the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.
Away from athletics, Mbaha describes herself as a God-fearing young woman who enjoys spending time with family, eating food, listening to music, laughing with friends and helping at home. She also enjoys dancing, even though she admits she cannot dance, and values quiet time.
For now, the young sprinter remains focused on developing her talent while staying grounded in her faith and the lessons athletics continues to teach her.
-hnalupe@nepc.com.na
The post Mbaha builds name on the tracks appeared first on New Era.
