Snyman, like 2012 Olympian Marc Mundell, did last year, has also made the brave decision to go solo and forego permanent employment in a bid to improve his walking skills and become part of Team SA at this year’s Olympics.
And it looks like he’s walking the walk right now as he cut 10 seconds off Lebogang Shange’s year-old mark of 11min 20.39sec set in Pretoria.
The race took place in Queensland, Brisbane and when Snyman walked off the track the new mark read 11:10.03 and a place in SA walking history.
His new mark comes a month before he turns 31.
Snyman, a bronze medallist at last year’s African Games in Brazzaville, Congo, took time out to tell Road to Rio 2016 of his journey thus far.
“I made my decision last year to resign from my job as a teacher at Waterkloof Primary School to focus on my race walking as this is an Olympic year and I need as much time to train,” said Snyman.
“I changed coaches right after African Games last year, going from Chris Britz to Australian-based coach Dave Smith.
“The training really changed a lot and I had to focus more on a strategy of less quantity and more quality.
“I arrived on the December 31 in Australia and the training started the next day (no time to adjust to jet-lag at all). We moved to Rainbow beach on January 10 where we would be based till February 4.
“In this period, we focused on massive mileage, speed endurance and power. It was very hot and humid throughout the camp.
“We went out training each morning at 7.30am and again that night at 5pm no matter the conditions.
“Some sessions were as hot as 36 degrees and humidity 90% other days it was raining, but, training was all that was on our minds. We had some rest sessions and recovery runs on the beach and through the bush.
“We also went to a fitness boxing session to mix things up and it was amazing. I’m really experiencing a whole new level of fitness and cross training to keep my head clear and body from over training.”
Moving on to race day and it was a last-minute change of plan for Snyman and crew.
“On the day of the race, we were scheduled to do a 15km easy session. We only heard about the race three hours before the start and decided to do a late entry.
“We made sure that there was enough judges and timing because I was in good shape and my mind was always on breaking the record.
“We started fast and I knew what I had to do to get the record, walk 3:45 per km and I’d be fine. The first km was only 3:46 as the wind on the home stretch was in our faces.
“It was raining hard at that stage but I wasn’t fazed because I was feeling good. We started walking faster and with one lap to go I knew I had the record. I started speeding up and headed home in a great time, 11:10.03 after confirmation.
“My coach was happy with my technique and so were the judges. So all in all, a good day at the office.”
Looking forward and his next race will also be Down Under, a 20km in Adelaide on 21 February where he’ll be aiming beat 1hr 24min for the distance.
“Then I’m going to Europe in March and hoping for a spot in the World Race Walking Team Cup in May to further increase my chances and do a qualifier for the Olympic Games in Rio.”
Source: African News Agency (ANA)
