Namibian sprinter Beatrice Masilingi has described 2023 as a year filled with both ups and downs, encompassing a range of experiences and emotions.
The 20-year-old athlete, known for her impressive performances in the 200m and 400m sprints, has been residing, training, and competing in South Africa since last year under the Newton Sport Agency.
Recently, Masilingi returned home to Namibia and participated in the Nedbank Youth Summit, where she shared her journey to stardom and the challenges she has encountered along the way.
During the event, she also launched her own Online Sports Clothing company, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and diversifying her interests beyond athletics.
Reflecting on the year from a personal sports perspective, Masilingi acknowledged the mixture of great moments and happy experiences, as well as the difficulties she faced.
She sees 2023 as a valuable learning experience, teaching her important life lessons and shaping her understanding of what truly matters. Despite the ups and downs, Masilingi expressed gratitude for her current position and the opportunity to be present in the moment.
Looking ahead, Masilingi spoke about her determination to make efforts in the upcoming year and predicted positive outcomes. She acknowledged that change can be challenging, particularly when it involves altering one's identity or way of being.
However, she and her fellow athlete Cristine Mboma are committed to making their nation proud, aiming to regain their positions at the top of the athletic hierarchy.
Masilingi emphasized that her main priority at the moment is getting back on track in her athletic career, with her clothing line serving as a secondary endeavor that keeps her mind occupied and engaged. She expressed confidence that by the next year, she will have returned to her athletic form and achieved her goals.
Regarding rumors of her alleged ban from reentering South Africa due to overstaying, Masilingi's spokesperson informed NBC Sport that a press briefing would be called soon to address and clarify the situation.
As Beatrice Masilingi continues her journey in athletics and ventures into entrepreneurship, her resilience, determination, and commitment to her sport and personal growth serve as an inspiration to others.
Despite the challenges faced, she remains focused on her athletic aspirations and aims to make a positive impact in the future.