Staff Reporter.
The national youth and junior teams wrapped up their dominant showing on Wednesday by finishing top of the medals table at the CAA African U18 and U20 Championships in Ndola, Zambia.
The South African squad added 14 medals to their tally, including seven golds, on the fifth and final day of competition.
They completed their campaign with a total of 66 medals (33 golds, 19 silvers and 14 bronze), earning more podium places than any other country at the continental showpiece.
In the U20 age group on Wednesday, Wernich van Rensburg and Anje Nel secured titles in the men’s and women’s 400m hurdles finals, while Johandre Pienaar took the top step on the podium in the men’s javelin throw.
In the U18 category, Tumi Ramokgopa added the 400m hurdles title to the gold she won in the 100m hurdles earlier at the continental championships, while Matodzi Ndou charged to victory in the boys 400m hurdles, Zak Naude won the boys discus throw and Cara Smith showed her versatility by winning the girls heptathlon.
Aside from Ramokgopa, two other SA athletes earned double gold in individual events, with Ashley Erasmus winning the U20 women’s shot put and discus throw events, and Alicia Khunou taking the U18 girls shot put and discus throw.
Temoso Masikane also produced a standout performance, breaking his own national U18 record in the long jump with a leap of 8.06m to claim the gold medal in his event.
* Due to technical issues at the Confederation of African Athletics, results have not been consistant and entirely not reliable.
The all-conquering team arrives at OR Tambo International Airport at 3pm on Thursday (today).
“To say I’m happy that our team won the Championship, would be an understatement,” said James Moloi. “I’m just over the moon.”
“This team has carved itself into African history. We are proud and we can perhaps be allowed to celebrate it as a major achievement and as a super indicator of great things to come from these young athletes.
“They will need to take this spirit of competition and character along with them in everything they do as they pursue the lovely profession of athletics. This is a great step for them to now focus on their 2023 international calendar,” said a satisfied James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.