Tommie learner triple jumps to SA title
Tom Naudé Technical High School's Kadijad Abubaker returned from the South African Junior Athletics Championships as the u/17 triple jump SA titleholder.
POLOKWANE – Sixteen-year-old Kadijad Abubaker from Tom Naudé Technical High School recently made her school proud at the South African Junior Athletics Championships.
Not only was this the first time she competed at the tournament, but she came home as the SA titleholder in the girls u/17 triple jump event, at a distance of 11.26m which is also her personal best distance.
Speaking to Review about the experience, Kadijad said it was a huge privilege.
“The atmosphere there was different and familiar at the same time. It was an amazing experience.”
With gymnastics and swimming having been her first choices as sporting codes, she only later developed a love for athletics. Of all the items she participates in, she says she enjoys the 100m sprint the most.
She also excels at triple jump and long jump. “Apart from the triple jump, my personal best in long jump is 5.40m and for the 100m it is 13.52.”
Walking away with gold at the junior championships still feels very unreal, she admitted.
“Surprisingly I do not practice very often, as I practice depending on the availability of my coach. I eat healthy foods, especially those that benefit my body. Before an event I do not follow any special diet.”
Along with athletics, she also play in the school’s netball team and admits that taking part in the SASN Netball Schools trials and making the team was one of her biggest accomplishment in this field.
She is a strong goal attack and a force to be reckoned with.
“The best thing about the goal attack position is that you can defend, read the game, and be as fast as lightning. The worst thing is that often, players from the other team target you as a player, as the goal attack is a very strategic position in the game in that it links the game.”
Kadijad dreams of becoming an architect, model and professional netball player.
The Bosveld Intervarsity, an annual sporting event held between PHS and Tom Naudé, is held this weekend and Kadijad says she is very excited.
As with most other athletes, Kadijad dreams of going to the Olympic Games one day.
“I once had dreams of participating in the 100m at the Olympics, but now it seems it might be triple jump. It is possible if I put my mind to it and believe in myself.”
