Multiple national bests were shattered in the U16 age group, as the ASA U16, U18, U20 and U23 Championships opened in spectacular fashion at Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane on Thursday.
Junior sprinters flaunted their form and Micah Africa, representing Boland Athletics (BOLA), was phenomenal in the U16 boys’ 100m event, setting a new SA best of 10.83 in the semi-finals and going on to win gold in the final in 10.73, improving his own new mark.
In the girls’ U16 100m hurdles, Megan Nieman (AGN) stunned her opponents by setting a national best in the first-round heats, dipping on the line in 12.44.
Zaun Marthinus (BOLA) also set a South African U16 best in the boys’ discus throw final, with a 64.80m effort.
Meanwhile, in the U20 men’s 100m final, Bayanda Walaza ran the race of his life for host province Athletics Gauteng North (AGN), storming over the line in 10.13 seconds and dragging six other athletes under the qualifying standard for the World Athletics U20 Championships to be held in Peru in August.
Neo Modibe grabbed the silver medal for Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) in 10.20 and Tshepo Tyantini of Athletics Central North West (ACNW) took bronze in 10.22.
In the U20 women’s 100m final, national record holder Viwe Jingqi (ACNW) won gold in 11.34. Silver medallist Kaili Botje (CGA), who clocked 11.66 and Charne Wansbury (AFS), who earned bronze in 11.71, also achieved the qualifying standard for the World U20 Championships.
Displaying incredible depth in their events, six athletes in the U20 women’s 100m hurdles and five athletes in the U20 men’s 110m hurdles qualified for the global junior championships later this year.
Temoso Masikane of Athletics North West North (ANWN) also hit the qualifying mark in the U20 men’s long jump final, winning gold with a leap of 7.71m, as did Dwight McCloen (ACNW) who landed at 7.58m to secure second position.
Other athletes who achieved qualifying standards for the World U20 Championships included U20 women’s shot put gold medallist Alicia Khunou (AGN), who produced a 15.11m heave, as well as discus throwers Johannes Marais of Boland (BOLA) who won gold with a best attempt of 62.01m, and Wesley Badenhorst (AGN) who bagged silver with a 58.33m effort.
“Congratulations to our nation’s talented young athletes for stepping up and delivering across the board on day one of the national championships,” said ASA president, James Moloi.
“This event provides an opportunity for individuals across a range of age groups to not only compete against the best in the country, but to break new ground and achieve qualifying standards for major international events, and we are delighted to see them producing such fantastic performances.”
The second day of the three-day national age group championships will be held on Friday, with the event being broadcast live on SuperSport channel 216.
