HPP proud of star athlete

MOKOPANE – Peter Tau, a Gr 12 learner from Hoërskool Piet Potgieter (HPP), boasts with his second bronze medal in the 800 m after he clocked 1:52,49 in holding off Heinrich Bruhns from the Free State (1:53,41) during the recent SA Schools Athletics Track and Field National Championships in Bloemfontein.

The 18-year-old shot to the front and carried himself well as he maintained the lead throughout the first heat and came home in 1:54,48.

“For one to be the best, you have to train to beat the best!” – Peter Tau

Peter told Bosveld that it was not his best time but it was his most memorable race as it was his last national schools’ event and that he felt proud to bring home a bronze medal. “I wanted to beat my personal best time of 1:51,07, but nonetheless, I am truly grateful as I had worked extremely hard.”

Peter won his first bronze medal in Gr 8 where he represented HPP on national level for the first time in the 800 m and the 1 500 m and from there he has been representing the school every year at the nationals in the 800 m.

Peter said he started athletics while he was in primary school but he never would have thought he would love athletics so much and that he would compete at the nationals.

“I am very grateful to Pierre Peens for believing in me and for helping me thus far to reach my potential. He is not only my biggest supporter, he is also like a father to me.”

Peter says he wants to study teaching next year and continue with athletics at varsity.

“I also dream of becoming a motivational speaker as life has taught me first-hand that you can never give up even when life knocks you down several times.”

Peter’s family and HPP are extremely proud of his prestigious accomplishment.

Peens said: “I am very proud to be associated with this talented and inspiring young man.” Peter thanked Peens as well as Herman Veske for having motivated him and for having showed him the athletic ropes.