Joining a running club in Dubai was initially a way for her to socialise and meet new people – little did she realise this step towards settling into her adopted country would ignite a remarkable career in long-distance running.
Gerda Steyn is now celebrated as an ultramarathon queen, having won the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon five times in a row.
“There’s the adage that a task seems impossible until it’s done. I think my wins show aspiring athletes that it is possible,” she says.