By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Cecilia van Bers.
Teenage sprinter Viwe Jingqi went on a record-breaking spree on Thursday, delivering a memorable string of performances on the opening day of the the ASA U16, U18 (Youth), and U20 (Juniors) Track and Field Championships at NWU McArthur Athletics Stadium in Potchefstroom.
Having clocked 11.53 seconds at the Athletics Gauteng North Championships in Tshwane earlier this month clipping 0.01 off the 39-year-old SA youth 100m record of 11.54, which had been held by Mari-Lise Furstenburg, 17 year-old Jingqi went even quicker in all three rounds at the national championships.
She clocked 11.40 in the first-round heats, then she stormed over the line in 11.36 in the semi-finals, before rocketing home in the final, taking the SA U18 record down to 11.22*. Setting a whole new standard in her age group, Jinqi finished well clear of AGN teammate Kayla Murray, who secured the silver medal in 11.78.
In the U20 men’s 100m final, Benjamin Richardson (AGN) held off a strong challenge from Neo Mosebi of KwaZulu-Natal (KZNA). Richardson, the 100m silver medallist and a gold medalist in the 4 x 100m relay at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi last year, won the SA title in 10.19. Mosebi set a personal best (10.23) at second place. Bradley Olifant (AGN) was also in superb form, taking bronze in 10.34.
In the U18 boys 100m final, Bradley Nkoana won gold in 10.25 ahead of AGN teammate Tshepo Tyantini (10.37), while Kayla la Grange of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) won the U20 women’s 100m final in 11.86 ahead of AGN athlete Nosipho Malinga (11.93).
In the field, perhaps the best result of the day was produced by rising AGN star Tiaan Stolz (AGN) who took U18 boys’ shot put gold with a 20.00m heave. Joshua Acker, representing Boland, took silver (19.78m) and Hencu Lamberts of AGN (19.21m) grabbed bronze.
The three-day ASA U16, U18 and U20 Championships will continue with the second day’s action at NWU McArthur Athletics Stadium on Friday.
* Record subject to standard ratification procedures
What Athletes said after Day 1 at Youth and Juniors in Potch
After sensational opening Day 1 of ASA U16 (Sub-Youth), U18 (Youth) and U20 (Junior) T&F National Championships at NWU Mc Arthur Athletics Stadium, Potchefstroom on Thursday 31 March 2022, the following is what athletes said.
Viwe Jingqi – U18 Girls 100m champion (11.22)
They say I am not a human, but a machine, and I think it is true. I broke three records wearing new spikes, and I knew I could run faster times. I am consistent and know what I want to do on the track. I kept my concentration throughout the day and never lost focus, and was rewarded with the national title in the 100m. My parents are supportive and watched on YouTube. I dedicated the record to my late brother Vukile, who died last year in January. I will race at the ASA Athletics Grand Prix in Germiston with the seniors and I want to give them a run for their money. I have a positive mindset and love the sport. I am super excited. I am going for the national title in the senior champs in Cape Town.
Naheem Jack: U16 Boys 100m hurdles SA record holder (12.64)
I cannot believe I broke the SA record in the heat in my first race. I was not expecting to run the time, and I thought it would be a usual win. I told myself to go out there and do my best. I have to win the final and leave the championships with a national title and a record.
Benjamin Richardson: 100m U20 Men champion (10.19).
Firstly, I am not happy with my time and do not think of it as a win. I am disappointed in myself, despite winning. I did not perform to the best of my ability and did not win properly. I wanted to run a sub 10. I did not execute the race perfectly. I started fast, but I slipped and won. I have qualified for the World junior championships in Cali, Colombia later this year and now I can focus on what I need to do to get a sub 10. I hope to do better in the 200m.
Bradley Nkoana: Boys 100m U18 champion (10.25).
The race was fun and I enjoyed it. I have to put more work in so I can go for the record one day. It is my second national 100m title and I am proud of myself for coming back stronger after injury. My dad came from Mabopane (in Tshwane) to watch me and it made me emotional. There is more coming and I will be ready for it. Running in front of an electric crowd made me happy.
Kayla La Grange: Women’s 100m U20 champion (11.86)
I worked hard for this title and worked on my start in the last week. I am proud of my achievements. It is a great way to end my high school career and I dedicate it to my family.
Cole Moultrie: Boys 100m U16 champion (10.91)
I am blessed and knew it was my time to win in a crazy competition. I am excited and cannot wait to get home and show the winner’s medal to my family. It’s a crazy win.
Alexandra Okoye: Girls 100m U16 champion (12:23)
I feel happy and worked hard for it and did better than I expected. I am happy with my time and thank my coaches and everyone who assisted me to win this gold medal.
Cliethe Anisha Julies: Girls U18 Hammers throw champion (63.24m)
I feel good and cannot believe I am taking the gold back home to the Free State and I feel overwhelmed with joy. I feel comfortable with the event and do it for the love of it. I feel happy when I am doing it.
Rivers Williams: 10km race walk Men’s U20 champion (47:13:87)
It was a competitive race and I did not expect to get the gold medal. The race went pretty well, and if it wasn’t too hot, I would have got a faster time. I was a second behind my PB of 47:12 and wanted to do it under 46 minutes. I was injured in January and am happy with this comeback. I did not get the qualifying time of 43 minutes, but I won’t lose hope. I will cherish this gold medal forever.
Tian Stoltz: Boys U18 Shot put champion (20:00m)
I feel great and came to win the gold medal and my hard work paid off. The level of competition is of the highest quality and I love shot put and have been doing it from an early age. I want to improve each time I throw. I want to represent my country at the Olympics one day.
Anais van Wyk: Women’s U20 pole vault (3.40m)
I am super excited and feel that I can take my performance to the next level at the national championships in Cape Town. I feel confident and on top of the world. I worked hard for this win and remained focused until I won gold.