Angelique Strijdom Talented Athlete and Top Student

As a full-time student and national athlete, Angelique Strijdom, 21, balances the best of both worlds; she is a model student-athlete! She explains how she juggles her demanding sports activities with her academic commitments in light of Youth Day (16 June).

Angelique began her athletic career at the age of seven by focusing on long-distance events. Before realizing that the 400m event was perfect for her, she combined it with speed events in high school.

Angelique Strijdom Talented Athlete and Top Student

Her country and TUT have gotten several podium finishes in this event under her belt in recent years. The most recent achievements she has made in this area include being selected for the FAU Games in Kenya with the TUT team; reaching the finals of the Senior SAs (where she ran a personal best in the 400m); and being part of the TUT relay team that set a new record for University Sports South Africa (USSA) in the 4x400m relay.

She will also compete in the World Student Games in China in August with the United States Student Athletic Association. My focus will be on the 400m and the 4x400m relay events. Although I am not aware of new records yet, I am confident that I will be able to improve my personal best time (52.82) in the 400m. That’s my main goal!”

A minimum of two hours of training per day are required by Angelique to compete at this level: six days a week, between 16:00 and 18:00. A light gym session is alternated with tough track and endurance sessions in these training sessions.

She is involved in sports activities as well as studies, but how does she manage to balance them both? She emphasizes the importance of time management. I plan ahead to make sure I have enough time for my schoolwork in between all of my training sessions (and for myself). Occasionally, I feel the pressure, but I cry about it for five minutes, then move on. It’s nothing new to me. I’ve been doing it my whole life; all I have to do is plan, plan, plan.”

Her social life is almost nonexistent, according to Angelique. On weekends, I have coffee dates with friends and hang out with my boyfriend (also an athlete). I like going to the mall and shopping like any other girl. She adds, “I don’t like going out at night, so I binge-watch Netflix series on Fridays, which I find very relaxing.”

As someone who spends so much time in the fast lane, she is easily impatient with people who use the excuse, I do not have time. It is very common for me to hear this, but I never understand it. I sometimes miss a class and fall behind, but I make sure to submit on time. I chose this path because it is very important to me.

According to her, she has always had a passion for Interior Design, which has led her to study Interior Design. My bedroom was rearranged and decorated repeatedly as a child. A highlight of my studies was being chosen to participate in an international competition along with some of my senior classmates in my second year, and being named best student in Professional Practice and Software in 2022.”

This star student is an inspiration to her peers, according to Inge Newport, Head of the Department of Interior Design, who is extremely proud of her achievements on and off the track.

“Angelique has demonstrated incredible perseverance and dedication both in her academic and athletic pursuits. As she carves a niche for herself in the sports and fitness interior design industry, I’m excited to see how she utilizes her unique skills. Whether she decides to open her own business one day or not, she will be able to rely on her dedication. Congratulations to Angelique for what she has accomplished! ”

As students prepare to celebrate Youth Day on June 16, Angelique has a special message to all of them: “Be energetic, hopeful, fearless, smart, and determined.” These are words I live by. They keep me motivated and driven toward my goals. Youth are the future of our country, and we must make the impossible possible..”

Angelique plans to enroll in postgraduate studies or register for other courses once she finishes her current studies.

“Someday, I wish to be an accomplished designer and industry leader, becoming an inspiration to others. I also hope to travel the world and experience many adventures.”

We’ll watch and cheer, Angelique!