Germiston athletes dominate SA champs
The championships were held over the course of three days.
Germiston athletes are basking in the glory of their exceptional performance at the recent South African Masters Athletics Championships 2024, held in Potchefstroom, where they clinched several gold medals and showcased their athletic prowess.
Danie Putter, Marisa Beukes, Dirk Rosslee, Ralph Kimmins, and Anton Vlok represented Germiston with distinction, securing top honours in various individual categories and mixed relays.
Putter, competing in the men’s category aged 50 to 55, displayed remarkable skill, clinching gold in the high jump and long jump, and silver in the 100m heat.
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Reflecting on his achievements, Putter dedicated his success to his granddaughter, Chandone Putter, emphasising the importance of determination and perseverance.
“The championships spanned three days, and witnessing athletes competing well into their 90s was truly inspiring.
“I want my granddaughter to know that she can achieve anything with dedication,” remarked Putter.
“He is setting his sights on future competitions, including the provincial leagues starting in September and the World Masters Athletics Championships.
Meanwhile, Marisa Beukes shone in the age category of 45 to 49 years old, securing an impressive haul of four gold medals and one bronze.
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Her victories in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and mixed relay events underscored her talent and dedication to the sport.
Beukes attributed her success to rigorous training under coach Stefanie Kotze, with whom she has been training for the past seven years.
Despite the challenges of balancing full-time work with training, Beukes remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence, often squeezing in workouts during lunch breaks.
“It’s been a challenging journey, but winning gold in three events at the SA Championships was a dream come true.
“I am immensely grateful to my coach for her unwavering support and dedication,” shared Beukes, who plans to take a well-deserved month-long break before resuming training for upcoming competitions.
The stellar performances of Germiston athletes not only showcase their talent but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, reaffirming the adage that hard work and determination yield remarkable results on the track.
