From novice to champion in just a few short months.
Discovery Primary School welcomed Caitlyn Banks back to school as a provincial high-jump champion. At the Gauteng Schools Championships held in Pretoria on March 12, Caitlyn was the best of the U/11 girls throwing herself over the bar set at 1,35m, which was 5cm more than her nearest competitor.
Not done trying to raise the crossbar and her own limitation, Caitlyn would then move on to her biggest challenge yet. Having taken the sport up just this year, her results at the SASA National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships held on March 25 were exemplary. Falling just short of the gold medal, Caitlyn was still the best Gauteng performer as she tied for second place with four other girls with jumps of 1,35m.
Watching from the stands were a proud family, including father Gavin Banks.
“It has had such a positive effect on her. Her personal confidence has skyrocketed and she is doing extremely well. We are all so absolutely proud of her achievements and she would have been a champion no matter what, having made it this far. We all call her the champ at home,” beamed Gavin.
To reach such heights a dedicated support structure is needed and Gavin acknowledged the efforts put in by Discovery Primary. “To the staff and management who put in all their work we say thank you. Caitlyn has received absolutely phenomenal support from the coaches, and the level of encouragement has been excellent,” added Gavin.
