All spiked up but nowhere to speed, but the garden is the dilemma the 19-year old Antoinette van der Merwe (Tuks) is finding herself due to the coronavirus lockdown. 

Not that she is complaining. For the moment beating the stopwatch to clock fast times is the last of her worries. She is rooting for the world's leading scientists to find a way to beat the virus. In the meanwhile, she hopes everyone can stay healthy. 

Van der Merwe caused quite a stir earlier this month when she clocked a time of 11.49s in the 100 metres during the Gauteng North Championships at Tuks.

Her proud coach, Wimpie Nel, was quick to point out it was the fastest time in the last 20 years by a South African under-20 female sprinter in the short sprint. Since 2017 only five local senior sprinters were able to clock faster times over 100 metres. 

Her time was also quick enough to qualify for the World Junior Athletics Championships in Nairobi. As things stand, it will in all probability be cancelled. 

"Putting one's athletics dreams on hold is a small price to pay. There will be plenty of opportunities to race later on. At least I have the satisfaction of having clocked a personal best time. For that, I am grateful." 

Speed has been a passion to Van der Merwe from the very first time she stepped onto the track. 

"With speed, there are no limits. Every time you race, there is a real chance of being faster. Sprinting is a race against yourself. It is what excites me."

The Tuks sprinter has already in her mind raised the bar. When she steps back on the track, the goal will be to run 11.30s or faster. She considers 11.20s to be a realistic goal. 

For her being fast is thinking about everything and at the same time about absolutely nothing. 

"The body should take control executing what you have been training to perfection with you hardly having to think about it for the 11 or so seconds the race lasts." 

Van der Merwe admits it is going to be challenging to try and keep her form during the lockdown.

"Luckily 'Coach Wimpie' has been proactive. I got a program giving me guidelines as to how to keep fit in the pool, on a training bike and in the garden. 

"The lockdown might yet turn out to be a blessing in disguise as I am expected to do a lot of strength exercises which I usually would have neglected."

Van der Merwe is possibly one of South Africa's most talented young female athletes. Last year during the African Junior Championships she won silver in the 200 metres and 100m-hurdles. 

It was decided this year that her focus should be on the 100m and 100m-hurdles. According to Nel, it is way too early to predict how her career will play out. 

"For the next three years, it is crucial to ensure Antoinette continues to be faster.  In the end, however, she might turn out to be a 200m or 400m athlete. She might even consider taking up the 400m-hurdles challenge.”