Brooks in class of his own at league meeting

He won the race in 11:38.

4 hours ago

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

In one of the most dominant performances this season, Tyran Brooks obliterated the boys’ U15 4km field to finish the race in a blistering PB of 11:38 during the seventh CGA cross-country league meeting at Germiston City Sports Club on July 20.

After he surprisingly lost for the first time this season at the last league meeting in Westonaria, all eyes were on him to see how he would recover from that minor setback.

As always seen at the start of this race, Brooks’ competitors tried to unsettle him but he remained steadfast and focused on the race ahead.

When the gun went off, he got out of the blocks fast, leaving a trail of dust behind him while the rest of the field played catch up.

The runner was far ahead after the first lap and he stormed into the home straight to complete the race in an incredible season’s best of 11:38.

“The race was sweet and fun. The course is quick. I love it. Even though we’ve never run here, I will do it again. It’s a PB on the 4km. It’s my best performance this year. We are working towards it. I can’t wait for nationals,” he said.

After the race, he was received by a group of youngsters shouting his name while fans, young and old, sang his praises around the park.

“I don’t have the words to describe how I feel but it’s so special that I can inspire little ones my age, and older. I don’t have the words. That’s how special it is,” said Brooks.

Despite all his achievements and popularity, he remains humble. With the children swarmed around him, he advised them to work hard if they wanted to achieve something, adding that it took him dedication and commitment to be where he was.

Tyran Brooks surrounded by BNAC junior runners and coach Nkanyiso Mthembu.

“It’s pretty hard. I’ve been doing this for seven years. The little ones have to understand that they have to be serious. They can’t show up to training and do one-lap warm-ups,” he said.

“If you want to achieve something, you have to work hard for it. You have to get up in the morning, and afternoons, listen to your coach and balance your studies and running. If you can find the right balance now, you can become one the best.”

The Alberton resident’s mind is already on the national championships on September 7, which will be preceded by the CGA provincials on August 17.

The event was held at the Germiston City Sports Club for the first time.

While the provincial title is guaranteed, given all goes to plan, he said the goal is to win the nationals and thereafter shift his focus to the track.

“My mind is already on the nationals. I want to win it and then after that, we’ll see if we can break the national 3 000m track record.”

Brooks already has his sights on the Olympic Games but first, it’s the Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal in 2026.