Shaanika take on the world in Bulgaria
Athlete Kristof Shaanika.
Having started his career at the age of 14, Shaanika has grown into a star in his own right. The 29-year-old athlete is a holder of a Business Administration Degree from the Polytechnic.
He says his breakthrough came when he represented Namibia at the Zone six games in Harare in 2001. “Since then I have taken part in numerous races. I started taking part in the Old Mutual victory race in 2008. I scooped two bronze medals at the FASO games in Kampala representing the Polytechnic in the 1500m and 800m events.”
In the same year, Shaanika also took part in the CUCSA Games in Malawi where he won a silver medal in the men’s 800m and a bronze in the 1500m category. He was also part of the National team that represented Namibia at the SADC Regional Community in Gaborone where he brought home a silver medal in the 800m. He was chosen as the Polytechnic Sportsmen of the Year in 2008. In 2009, he took part in the World student games in Serbia.
He has also participated in local marathons such as the Grand Prix of the Bank Windhoek. This year, he took part in the the old Mutual Victory race in Swakopmund and Oshakati. He was the first Namibian in the half marathon race that took place at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and was as a result chosen to participate in the Karavan Bulgaria on 06 October for the World Half Marathon race.
Shaanika said although finances hinders him and other athletes from taking part in international and continental races, he intends to work hard so that sponsors will offer him assistance
He is registered under the Golden Cheetah Club where he is coached by Hilaria Johannes, an athlete herself.
Shaanika, who started his racing career by participating in track and field events, trains six times a week. He left for South Africa on Wednesday alongside other athletes, Lavinia Haitope, Iyambo Paulus, Simon Shipangana, Amutoko Anna to take part in the 10 km Capetown Marathon Race
