The provincial championship on August 17 was Springs resident’s Bontle Makgalemele’s favourite event after she unexpectedly qualified for the nationals in her first full cross-country season.
The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) youngster made the CGA team for the September 7 ASA national cross-country champs after a finishing sixth in the U8 girls’ 1km race at the provincials.
She clocked a season’s best of 05:10, which was a massive improvement from her debut race in league one at Tsakane Softball Complex in April.
“Kagiso was my favourite race because I made it in the top six and qualified for the nationals,” she said.
Bontle, explained this means a lot to her and is looking forward to competing at the national event at Izak Steyl Stadium at Vaal University of Technology, in Vanderbijlpark.
“I’m excited. I listened to my coach and learnt to run fast. I’m looking forward to meeting other children from other provinces.”
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She added, “I’m ready to apply my skills, run fast and beat them because it’s fun to win”.
On what she found challenging during the league phase of the season, she said, “It was in league six in Westonaria when I fell and had to chase the other runners so that I couldn’t finish last in the event”.
Her mother, Nomsa, expressed her excitement for her daughter, saying she’s proud of her, especially because it was her first competitive season.
While this achievement is great, Nomsa said she’ll be cautious to not push her too hard. But instead, she would allow her to have fun.
“It’s her first season but she somehow made it to the top. I’m happy for her. There’s no pressure from us. We’ll support her to do what she loves, which is running,” Nomsa said.
Bontle will be supported by her brother, Karabo, who couldn’t make it after a nagging leg injury towards the end of the season.
“I told Karabo to learn from his mistakes, pick himself up and do it again,” added Nomsa.
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