By Michael Uugwanga
In 2021, then 15-year-old Epifania Johannes had athletics under her feet after winning multiple medals, both locally and internationally, with her biggest achievement being the silver medal she won in the 200m race at the ISF World School Sports Games in Belgrade, Serbia.
Before the ISF World School Sports Games, Johannes was already being compared to the likes of Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi.
However, due to other reasons outside the track and field, the youngster did not fulfil her potential, although she still has a lot of athletics left in her.
Her last event was in 2024 at the Athletics Namibia Grand Prix in the 100m, where she finished in third place.
Her coach, Edward Kapewasha, has given reasons why Johannes has not been active in the sport, saying that the young runner was focused on completing her secondary education and is now ready to resume competing again.
“Nothing happened to her (athletics). For the past three years, she was focusing on her studies. She did her Grade 12 AS level and passed her subjects. She was away from the track as she decided to entirely focus on her secondary education. Though she did light training, she was not in extensive training and pledged not to compete until she finished matric,” said Kapewasha.
Johannes, 20, is currently a student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Eenhana Campus in the Ohangwena Region.
“Epifania is based in Eenhana. She is studying in her first year at NUST Eenhana Satellite Campus. She is working her way back to the track. There was no need to rush back to compete after a lengthy absence. She is back in training and looking forward to a competitive next season. Yes, I am still coaching her. No, she is not done. She is turning 20 this year and will start competing as a senior next. She will be back soon,” said Kapewasha.
