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<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nThis year topped all expectations. Alicia achieved first place in the Sunfest Africa Speedfit Fitness Challenge and was the only South African invited to Saudi Arabia as an ambassador, to take part in the Tough Mudder Infinity Endurance Series. The cherry on the cake, however, was being officially capped and getting her Protea colours in August. In November, she is once again heading to foreign shores to represent South Africa in the World Championships.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2024\/11\/4.jpg\")
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It\u2019s not all glitz and glam, though – this lifestyle doesn\u2019t come easy. \u201cThis is what I do full-time, it\u2019s my job,\u201d she says. \u201cI get up at the same time every day and \u2018go to work\u2019. I train hard, for around six hours, six days a week. I don\u2019t have a secure income; unfortunately, my chosen sports are not well known and so are not government-funded, despite me bringing back so many medals for my country. I am extremely grateful to my sponsors, and my parents have played a huge role in my success. It\u2019s definitely not a luxurious lifestyle, but on the flipside, I do what I love. I\u2019ve come a long way, I\u2019m smashing my goals and I\u2019m in in the best physical and mental shape of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2024\/11\/9-min-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Alicia laughs as she pivots, swinging her green and gold jacket over her shoulder with pride. \u201cThis jacket is earned, you know, it\u2019s not something just anyone can wear! It comes with blood, sweat and tears, and exceptionally hard work.\u201d One thing is for sure, the hard work has been worth it – the Protea jacket sits well on her shoulders, as if she was born to wear it. We cannot wait to see where life takes this superstar home-grown farmer\u2019s daughter.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2024\/11\/2.jpg\")
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