Pedro Aaron (21), a Germiston resident and Germiston Callies Harriers athlete, has made a name for himself in the world of athletics.
Aaron, who is coached by Stephané Kotzé, has focused on long jump throughout his junior athletics career and managed to clinch several titles over the years including five South African titles, an African Junior Championship title, Athletics South Africa (ASA) titles and three school titles, to name a few.
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With all these accomplishments under his belt, he began his career as a senior athlete.
However, due to an ankle injury, Aaron was unable to compete at his usual standard for much of last year.
“When I was in matric in 2018, I competed in Cape Town,” explained Aaron.
“At the event they did not have a proper long jump board and just used some plywood.
“When I stood on the board it gave way and I hurt my ankle.”
This injury affected his performance throughout the 2019 season, but he was still able to qualify for and compete in the South African Championships.
“I didn’t compete as much as I normally would have,” said Aaron.
“To keep up my fitness during this time, I started gym, which really helped to keep my fitness level up.
“But overall the rest has done wonders for my ankle and I am now 100 per cent.”
The rest also helped Aaron refocus and regroup ahead of the new season.
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“This year my aim is to jump 8m in the men’s long jump event,” said Aaron.
“To achieve this I still need to work on my run-up, as this can be more difficult than people think.
“You have a 35.70m run up and then you have to step on a 25cm board, so you have to get it just right.
“Even a toe over and the jump will not be allowed.”
Aaron trains every day except Sundays.
When asked how he has found this year’s Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) recent track and field meetings, Aaron explained, “Though I have placed on the podium with a 7.14m jump at the first event and a 7.50m jump at the second event I am still trying to find my groove,” said Aaron.
“In my second year as a senior athlete I am still finding my feet because I am competing against athletes that are 20 years old and older.
“It is a bit hard.
“But I am doing well and I enjoy what I do.”
When asked how long he will continue with athletics Aaron said, “As long I can.”
“I am still young and love my sport.”
Aaron hopes to study sports management while continuing with his training.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za.
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