Local athlete ready for Nationals

Marceghlle Wakefield, a resident of Carletonville and a Grade 10 learner at Monument High School in Krugersdorp, has started this athletics season very well.
The 16-year-old athlete, trained by coach Phyllis De Fouw, has been dedicated. He trained hard during the festive season and the new track season, which started on 16
January.
According to his mother, Marisca, Marceghlle started by being awarded the Best Senior Athlete and Victor Ludorum at the inter-house athletics.
On 26 January, however, his physiotherapist discovered he had two injured Achilles tendons and had to receive treatment twice weekly.
Despite his injuries at the start of the season, Marceghlle managed to break six records. He also set himself personal best times in the 800 m (1:54:84), 1,500 m (4:00:46) and 3,000 m events (8:49:85).
Marceghlle also qualified to attend the Gauteng Schools Championships at Ruimsig Stadium in Roodepoort on 3 and 4 March.
He won the 800 m with a time of 1:57:53 and the 1,500 m with a time of 4:06:78. By winning the Gauteng Champion title, he qualified in the 800 m and 1,500 m to compete at the South African Schools Championships at Germiston Stadium from 2 to 5 April.
Besides school athletics, Marceghlle has also excelled in club athletics. Athletes had to compete in any three of five leagues to participate at the provincials. Marceghlle, being only 16, competed in the boys’ u.18 category. He won first place in the 800 m in all three leagues and took two wins and a second place.
He participated in the Gauteng Club Championships at Germiston Stadium last weekend.
Marceghlle won gold again in the 800 m with a time of 1:56:97 and in the 1,500 m, where he excelled with a new personal best time of 4:00:46. He, therefore, qualified to compete at the South African Championships at Msunduzi Athletics Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, from 23 to 25 March.
“I want to thank God for the guidance and strength He has given me to handle all the late nights, hard work and managing school. I also want to say a huge thank you to my coach, who dedicates all her time and effort. Without her, I couldn’t have improved myself as an athlete.
And, obviously, the incredible support, emotionally and financially, from my parents.
“Thank you very much to all the people who make it possible to reach my goal. I aim to make it to the World Championships and Olympics; if not this year, I will make it one day,” says the young star.