Mïcke Strydom, a talented young karateka from Zanshin Karate-Do in Kimberley, has made her mark on the national stage, securing second place in the Girls 14/15 kata division. Her hard work has earned her official Proteas colours for the second year running – an achievement she describes as "one of the best feelings ever."

Although Mïcke began karate early, her passion for competition sparked about three years ago after watching senior athletes at a national tournament. "I realised what I was doing and what it could be," she recalls. "I decided I wanted to be one of those athletes whom others stay behind to watch."

Finding out she ranked second nationally filled her with pride and resolve. "I was proud of myself for making it to the top again, but I also knew it was going to take a lot of hard work to stay there," she said.

Receiving her Proteas colours again felt surreal. "I'm so grateful ... I know all the hard work paid off – but it’s not over yet. There's still so much to do."

Balancing schoolwork, netball, and intense training required serious discipline. "It was hard trying to balance everything, but I showed up every day, and in the end, it paid off," she said.

Mïcke credits her success to her family, role models, and her coach. "My coach has been there through the good and the bad, always helping me move forward even when I didn’t feel like training."

A key moment came when she won bronze at a national event and received words of encouragement from Sensei Morgan Moss: "He told me I did a good job and that we could only move forward from here."

Now preparing for the AUSC Region 5 Championships in Durban from May 23-24, Mïcke remains focused. "I show up for myself every day ... working on perfecting all the smaller details and focusing on my peace."

She draws motivation from fellow athletes and dreams of competing at the World Championships next year. "I just want to be the best athlete I can be."

Her advice for others: "Enjoy the butterflies, the nerves, the pressure. Pressure is a privilege – not everyone gets to experience it."

With humility and determination, Mïcke Strydom is inspiring others just as she once dreamed she would.

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