The 100 Women Changing Wellness

In the past year, Elana has garnered a hot new radio gig at Jacaranda FM, moved her family from Cape Town to Jozi, taken part in a TV series, Fynskrif, and run her first 10km in just over an hour.

Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp

TV AND RADIO PRESENTER

In the past year, Elana has garnered a hot new radio gig at Jacaranda FM, moved her family from Cape Town to Jozi, taken part in a TV series, Fynskrif, and run her first 10km in just over an hour. “I don’t always feel sporty, not even when I run for fun. Being a runner is new to my ‘being active’ portfolio, but I have always moved. Through basic ballroom, gym, a bit of boxing, golf, walking and now my favourite – running! I do about 4km, three times a week. It’s a short, easy run and I feel great afterwards. I literally put my running shoes on and race all the youngsters in the estate who are riding bikes. They always win, but that’s also okay. This is ‘me’ time. Time for just me, me, me!” And her goal for next year? Well, she says, to run her first full marathon.

@elanaafrika

Elana Van Zyl Meyer

FORMER OLYMPIAN

You’ll remember Elana as the world champion runner who clinched silver in the 1992 Olympics. Today, she’s shifted her focus to others with her ENDUROCAD SA Endurance Academy, sharing her experience, knowledge and passion with young athletes – and women, like Elana AfrikaBredenkamp, whom she coaches.

“I needed a huge inward focus to be able to achieve success as an athlete competing at the highest international level,” she explains. “Fitness and healthy living are still high priorities in my life – I’m still very fit – but my focus has now changed from running for performance to running for good health! I still get the feel-good endorphins from running and it clears my head and gives me energy! As a working mom, downtime for me is spending time outdoors with my family doing something that we all enjoy”

@elanameyer