DESPITE having represented South Africa at the highest level of competition in karate, Shiela Nomalungelo Panyeka (20) from New Orleans Secondary School says she’s not tough all the time.
Shiela was recently named Paarl Post’s Senior Sportswoman of the Year and also took part in the All Styles world championship in Turkey last month.
Apart from her accomplishments in the sporting arena, she also enjoys taking part in beauty pageants and was crowned Miss Mbekweni not so long ago.
“I only do karate and modelling,” Sheila says with a big smile.
“Karate not only keeps me busy, but it also distracts my attention from all the wrong elements.
“The beauty pageants I take part in are just to prove that I’m not tough all the time.
“I consider myself to be feminine and I want other people to see that too.”
Although Shiela did not win any medals at the world champs, she admits to having gained valuable experience for future competitions.
“The world championship in Turkey was not what I expected. The competition was far more difficult than the competitions that I’m used to.”
Shiela is currently in grade 11 and says she will continue with karate as long as possible.
“After matric I would like to study sports management at Stellenbosch University, but I’m going to continue with karate - and modelling.”
