Ulla Finkeldey - Athletics Development Club Coach in Swakopmund and she is a director at Gap Academy

Sport and fitness have been central to Ulla Finkeldey's (52) life since the 1990s.

The young-at-heart fitness instructor studied sport and exercise science as well as movement studies, personal training, group training, pilates and functional training.

"The most important thing is that I have a passion for sport education and training, and I am blessed to love what I do," said Finkeldey.

After a stint as a successful athlete in her younger days, Finkeldey fell in love with the sport and fitness industry.

However, due to a spinal injury, her bright future as a professional athlete came to an abrupt end, but this did not sway her from doing what she loves.

In 1990, she studied to become a fitness instructor with movement science and exercise leader certification. "Years of working in the industry and continued learning and studies were the secret to success," said Finkeldey.

Finkeldey believes that to make it in the sport and fitness industry, passion is crucial.

Understanding what you do is just as important as having a natural-born talent, she said.