Viljoen and Jobodwana progress

Viljoen qualified for Sunday’s javelin final with her first throw of 64.51 metres — well beyond the qualifying distance of 61.50m. “We’ve been working hard. I don’t want to say too much before the final,” said the Potchefstroom athlete, working with coach Tertius Leibenberg.

“I’m very positive for the rest of the season and it’s good to see the hard work beginning to pay off.” Viljoen was defending her bronze medal from Daegu 2011, where she threw 68.38m.

“The javelin this year is open anyone can take it,” she said. “Everyone is in good shape. It’s going to be a good final and I’m looking forward to it.” Sprinter Jobodwana won his 200m heat with a time of 20.17 seconds.

The 21-year-old was satisfied with his time particularly as he had a sleepless night. “After a sleepless night, it was good to run that time,” said Jobodwana. “I think it was a minor anxiety attack but I still have lots of energy and just need to recover before the semi-finals this evening.”

Other South Africans in action Friday evening were Johan Cronje, looking for a top three spot in his 1500m semi-final, and Khotso Mokoena in the long jump final.

– Sapa