Benoni Northerns Junior Athletics Club athletes Kayla Botha and Chelsea van Dyk posted impressive times to claim podium finishes at the CGA Cross-Country provincial championship at Kagiso Sports Complex on August 20.
Kayla clocked 08:29 in the girls’ U9 2km category to finish in third place. Chelsea continued her impressive form after clocking 11:49 to win the girls’ U11 3km event.
Both athletes are in contention for a place in the team to represent the province at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) cross-country championship in Rustenburg on September 17.
Other athletes from the BNAC who claimed top honours at the provincials are Andre Bredenkamp who claimed a podium finish in grand-master category, junior athletes Avah Brownlie, Kailan Aspden and Charles Robinson.
Rhys Connor Sawyer and Kevin Hickley from Benoni High Athletics were also outstanding in their events with Rhys finishing in 08:05 in the boys’ U10 2km to finish fourth. Kevin competed in the boys’ U16 6km race and clocked 20:43 to finish fourth.
“We are extremely proud of our junior athletes. They have done exceptionally well this season. We look forward to Benoni Northerns taking home gold at the national championships,” said coach Sonja Ferreira.
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CGA told the City Times that the athletes will have to obtain a top-four finish at the championship to be considered for selection.
The organisation further revealed that an athlete should have competed in the provincial games and at least three CGA cross-country meets.
CGA cross-country chairperson, Val Brentano explained that despite challenging conditions during the season, the athletes’ performances exceeded their expectations.
“We will send a strong team of athletes to represent the province at the 2022 ASA Cross Country National Championships. It was a very successful season following the lifting of Covid-19 pandemic regulations.
“Over the years, CGA has performed exceptionally well at the National Championships therefore great performances are expected and anticipated from the CGA Team,” she said.
CGA revealed that the team to represent the province at the nationals will be announced on September 4.
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