Masilingi Sprints Academy targets Namibia’s next generation

Hilma Nalupe

Former Namibian sprinter Beatrice Masilingi has turned her attention to developing the country’s next generation of speedsters by establishing the Masilingi Sprints Academy.

The academy was created to bridge the gap between raw talent and professional execution by providing young sprinters with specialised coaching and structured development from an early stage.

Masilingi, who was forced to retire from competitive sport, said the decision to establish the academy came from wanting to remain involved in athletics while helping other athletes pursue their ambitions.

“I was forced to retire from competitive sports, so I thought to myself, what could I do? I can’t just stop here. So, I had the thought of establishing a sprints academy and assisting athletes,” she said.

The academy caters for junior and senior athletes seeking to specialise in the 100m, 200m, 400m and relay events. Its programme focuses on sprint mechanics, starting block technique, acceleration, top-end speed, speed endurance and explosive conditioning.

Unlike general school or athletics programmes, the academy aims to provide individualised training through sprint biomechanics, video analysis, individual speed profiling and specialised track routines.

Masilingi said the academy’s vision is to become a premier sprint development hub in Africa that consistently nurtures elite sprinters, while its mission is to empower athletes through specialised coaching, biomechanical speed work, discipline and structured athlete management.

The academy also intends to identify talent at grassroots level through open trials, regional outreach and visits to schools during inter-house competitions. It hopes to develop community programmes that will take athletics training into informal settlements and create opportunities for children who may not otherwise have access to structured sport.

However, access to suitable training facilities remains one of the academy’s biggest challenges.

Independence Stadium, traditionally one of Namibia’s main athletics venues, is currently not suitable for athletes to train or compete at the required level.

“Our current biggest challenge and concern is training facilities. Independence Stadium is no longer fit for athletes to train nor compete there, and athletes cannot qualify for major championships in Namibia because the track was written off by World Athletics,” Masilingi said.

The academy is currently working to secure additional training equipment and is looking to build relationships with schools, clubs, governing bodies and potential sponsors.

While no external sponsorships or corporate partnerships have been secured yet, Masilingi said making the programme accessible remains a priority.

The academy plans to enter athletes into local and national competitions, with the longer-term objective of progressing them towards regional and international events. Local competitions are being targeted for 2027 as part of the athletes’ development pathway.

Masilingi said the initial focus will be on developing athletes technically and physically while building discipline and confidence.

The academy also hopes to expand its coaching capacity in future by bringing in coaches specialising in field events and longer-distance disciplines.

With Namibia continuing to search for sustainable ways to develop elite athletes, the Masilingi Sprints Academy aims to provide a specialised pathway for young sprinters while complementing existing school, club and national athletics structures.

-hnalupe@nepc.com.na

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