Chelsea and Matthew on podium at nationals
They competed at the SASA national champs in Pietermaritzburg and won silver medals in their categories.
Benonians Chelsea van Dyk and Matthew Pietroiusti won silver medals after placing second in their categories at the South African Schools Athletics (SASA) national championships in Pietermaritzburg on March 21.
Chelsea, from Rynfield Primary, clocked 03:47 to win her silver and also achieved a personal best (PB) in the girls’ U13 1200m.
Her coach, Michael van Aswegen, said he is proud of the youngster’s achievement.
“We arrived at the nationals expecting a medal, but we never put pressure on Chelsea. It was her first experience on track at this level, and we wanted her to perform at her best.
“To walk away with a silver and a PB made me and her family proud.
“She has grown in leaps and bounds as an athlete but, at her core, remains a child, which is the vital part of the process.
“With all her success and achievements, enjoying what she does and still being able to be a child throughout the process is the biggest win for us,” Van Aswegen said.
Farrarmere Primary School learner Matthew placed second in the boys’ U11 1200m race, clocking 03:45.
“He qualified for the final in a time of 03:49 and competed with 16 athletes. It was a tightly contested race, with five athletes coming into the final stretch, fighting for a place on the podium.
“He fought hard until the end and achieved second place,” said coach Jarred de Waal.
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