Track and field events prepare athletes for greatness

Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) hosted a splendid track and field event on Saturday, February 14, at the Germiston Stadium.

There was a great turn out of athletes, and supporters also attended the event to cheer on the athletes.

“This meeting served as preparation for some athletes and, for some, it was their first time in this league with the hope of standing a chance of being selected for the South African Championships team, at the beginning of April,” said CGA’s Mbalenhle Ngema.

“I had the opportunity to interview two junior women athletes selected for the 2015 CAA African Junior Championships, in March, Zinzi Chabangu, a long and triple jump athlete, and Udelle de Winnaar, a 5 000m walker.

“They were both very excited and delighted to have made the SA team going to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.”

De Winnaar said: “I have already scheduled a training session for the championships, I want to work a bit more on my fitness, as I feel it is not where I want it to be.

“I believe the next three weeks of training will help me and I will also use the upcoming track and field meetings to prepare; I am really impressed with my times, but there is still space for improvement.”

Chabangu, who has a personal best time of 6.16 in long jump and 13.12 in triple jump, said she feels really proud to have been selected for the championships.

“I am happy to have been selected, but I am not happy with my performance on February 14,” she explained.

”I will work harder on my training sessions, so that I am good and fit for the 2015 CAA African Junior Championships.”