Two pupils in SA champs

Marcel Jonosky an U12 long distance athlete from Nancefield Primary School broke two records in 1200 meters and will be competing at the South African Championships in Paarl.

Angelo Groep who has been coaching Jonosky for the past six years said he sees talent in the athlete.

“If he can keep his performance up for the next few years, he will earn money from athletics,” Groep said.

Jonosky broke the first record at the Eldos cluster level with a time of 3:52 and at the district level with a time of 3:48.

He came third place at the provincial level and this earned him a spot in the SA champs.

Joining Jonosky will be Cleo Becorny, a pupil from Cavendish Primary School, who will be taking part in the 150m race.

“Cleo has natural talent,” Groep said.

Jonosky has been competing in the SA champs since he was nine years old, he also won the schools’ cross country which took place in Bloemfontein and clubs’ cross country.

“I am 100% sure that Marcel will win at the championship this year because he has been the cross country champ for the past three years and he came second in the SA champs last year,” Groep said.

Jonosky is looking forward to the competition.

“I am feeling good and I’m excited about the competition,” Jonosky said.

He is aiming to come first.

Groep says the Nancefield Primary School is fully behind Jonosky and their support motivates him to do his best.

They raised funds to help send Jonosky to the SA champs.

“Nancefield Primary School produces SA champs,” Groep said.

Jonosky offered advice to future champs: “Stay out of the streets, work hard, do your school work and train hard”.