South Africa's near-forgotten female sprinter, Carina Horn, seems to be slowly finding the form that led to her becoming the first local athlete to dip under 11 seconds in the 100m.

Last night in Sotteville Les Rouen, France she won in a time of 11.14s. What is exciting is that the Tuks based sprinter has been clocking faster times each time she raced so far this season in Europe. The time in her first race was 11.19s, then she ran 11.16s. 

The Ivory Coast's Murielle Ahoure was second last night in a time of 11.23s with Orlann Ombissa-Dzangue (France) third in 11.25s

Frustration spelt in capital letters is perhaps the best way to describe the South African record holder's season. Personal problems and health issues are the reasons why she has hardly raced. As things stand, she has only competed in three races. 

Horn hinted this morning that she has not given up on trying to qualify for the World Championships in Doha. The qualification standard set by Athletics South Africa for the 100 metres is 11.10s. 

She knows she is capable of running faster times. It is only a matter of getting enough opportunities to try and execute that perfect race. One of the Tuks sprinter best qualities as a sprinter is her never say die attitude. Over the last three years, she has bounced back being faster after each setback. 

According to Horn experience made her realise that to be obsessed about specific times can be self-destructive. 

"I have learned that giving 100% is perhaps not the way to go. Often during training, I feel like I am giving it my all, but when I asked my coach what my time was, it tends to be much slower than I expected. 

"The opposite is also true. The times during training when I am relaxed and just going through the motions are when I am usually faster. That made me conclude it would be best just to put in a 98% effort when racing. I think when I try and run at 100% is when I tense up and make mistakes.

"Last year in Doha, when I ran 10.98s, it was the closest I have come to the perfect race." 

The South African 100m-hurdles record holder, Rikenette Steenkamp (Tuks), is another athlete on a comeback trail. Last night even though she might only have finished fifth it was exciting to see her set a season's best running 13.15s. It was also only the third time this season she raced. Actually only the third time in nearly ten months. 

Tobi  Amusan (Nigeria) won in a time of 12.49s. Queen Claye (USA) was second in 12.63s and Solenn Comper (France) third in 12.98s. 

Steenkamp had to return to South Africa after competing in only two races in Europe.  That is why for now she is OK with her performance.

"You know how we are as athletes, we always want to be faster, but considering what I have through, I guess it would be unfair to expect miracles on the track already."

The Tuks-hurdler will be racing next Wednesday in Finland again.