| Gertrin Rebiby aims to represent Madagascar in athletics on the international stage. |
Champion of Madagascar for the first time in the junior cross-country category, Gertrin Rebiby ran the 8 km of the course in 26 minutes, 10 seconds and 7 tenths during the national summit in Ambatondrazaka, which took place on March 9. He is a rising star in Malagasy athletics to follow closely, because he has the potential to go far in this sport. The recent champion of Madagascar has the makings. Aged 19, he has been practicing athletics for two years. His success is assured, provided that he gets involved in this sport and that a technician supervises him.
Seized with a passion for athletics at age 15, he tried playing football, but as a mere distraction at every opportunity. Seeing the development of athletics in his region Anosy, in Tolagnaro, he devoted himself more to this sport. He particularly loves long distance running.
To participate in the national championship in Ambatondrazaka on March 9, he left Tolagnaro on March 4 and arrived in Alaotra on Friday March 8 at one in the morning, eight hours before the start of his race. Gertrin Rebiby had no problem dominating her opponents.
The 8 km course, which started in front of the Jovena station in Ambatondrazaka, market square, required the runners to complete four laps, towards the station, then to climb near the gendarmerie camp in Mangarivotra, before exiting near from the Ambatondrazaka technical high school to arrive at the starting point.
Smiling and without out of breath during her race, Gertrin Rebiby is an athlete with a future. The four days on the road had no effect on his performance. He is proud of his performance and believes that his strength lies in his iron mind.
“In the first round, I only tested the power of my opponents. On the second lap, I accelerated a little. My strong point was to accelerate the pace on each climb to outdistance my pursuers. I won the race easily, so my first objective is achieved. The next challenge is to win the title in the senior category at the appropriate time, because I aim to represent Madagascar at the continental or even international level. My dream is to go abroad to defend the colors of the Big Island, but above all, I must continue my learning,” confides Gertrin Rebiby.
Donné Raherinjatovo