Local athletes scoop medals in Pietermaritzburg
The CGA athletes competed at the highest level at the championships.
Team Central Gauteng Athletics did well this past weekend at the National Youth and Junior (U16/18/20) Championships in Pietermaritzburg.
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They secured a silver position on the team medals table, bringing back 58 medals (26 gold, 17 silver and 15 bronze).
Overall, the CGA athletes gave outstanding performances, one of which was by Johannes Morepe, who claimed two gold medals.
The in-form Morepe competed in the U20 1 500m and 3 000m events and clocked 03:44.47 and 08:19.9, respectively.
The 3 000m podium was dominated by CGA, claiming all three podium medals, with Corn de Fouw taking silver and Jayde Roslee settling for bronze.
Roslee doubled up with a gold medal in the 5 000m event and a bronze in the 3 000m to take home two national medals for the province.
Oluchi Ndubueze, a CGA athlete who loves what she does on the track, did not disappoint when she did an excellent dash in the girls’ U16 100m race.
“The hardworking and humble Oluchi was crowned national champion for the first time in her athletics career at the national championships stage after dominating the sub-youth age category in previous years.
“As the province, we expect a lot from this rising star in athletics,” said the CGA PR and communications intern, Nongcebo Siziba.
“Another upcoming star to look for is Chemen Mentz, who broke her personal best time from 04:43 to 04:30 in the girls’ U16 1 500m event to be crowned national champion. In an interview, Mentz said it was not easy getting to the point she is at, but she is grateful for her achievement at the championships,” said Siziba.
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In the men’s U18 400m event, Leendert Koekemoer clocked 0:46.38. Koekemoer had the crowd cheering with his exceptional performance that secured him a gold position on the podium.
“CGA, beyond any reasonable doubt, produces quality athletes, including race walkers who contributed to the medal table with three gold medals.
“The walkers crowned national champions were Yamkela Shosha in the men’s U18 10km walk event, Lesedi Mphelane in the boy’s U16 5km event and Lee Nyathi in the women’s U18 10km event,” said Siziba.
Ntokozo Gumede outclassed her opponents to become the new 5 000m national champion by delivering a great run.
She was determined to make the province proud and bring home the gold medal. She clocked 18:20:26.
In the field events, the CGA athletes also showcased great talent.
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“We saw JL van Rensburg deliver a great throw in the men’s U20 shot put event with a distance of 18.97.
“Another exciting jump was the women’s U20 triple jump, where we bagged a gold medal through the performance of Lu-Rika Herlberg,” said Siziba.
CGA president Steven Khanyile, who was in attendance at the championships, watched the CGA athletes perform well and fly the provincial flag.
“In the post championships interview, Khanyile congratulated all the medal winners and athletes who took part.
“He included the support of coaches, parents and team management.
“CGA is a province to look out for with much potential and quality upcoming athletics stars.
“The future of the province is bright,” said Siziba.
