Local favourite Naeem Jack was the star performer on Thursday, breaking the South African men’s U20 record in the 110m hurdles event on day one of the SA U16, U18, U20 and U23 Track and Field Championships at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.
Jack clocked 13.16 seconds in the colours of host province Western Province Athletics, despite running into a slight headwind in the heats.
Admitting he was surprised by his time, the 17-year-old athlete said he wasn’t putting pressure on himself to go quicker in the final on Friday, and he was more focused on securing the SA junior title.
“The goal was just to come out here in the heats and execute, put a good race together and hopefully get a good time,” Jack said.
“But when I saw the conditions I thought ‘let’s just take it easy’. I wanted to run a clean race, clear all the hurdles and run through the line, and luckily I got a good time and I’m really happy with my performance.”
Walaza shines again
Meanwhile, sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza (Athletics Gauteng North) delivered in style, storming to victory in the U20 men’s 100m final in 10.26 seconds as he held off a challenge from Karabo Letebele (Athletics Vaal Triangle) who grabbed the silver medal in 10.33 in one of the most anticipated races of the championships.
World junior champion Walaza said he was delighted to pick up another title.
“It’s nice to come here and compete against such great athletes,” Walaza said.
“There were some fast athletes here and it’s fun to run against them… so I enjoyed every moment. The crowd was very supportive, so I want to thank them.
“I’m reaching for the sky, and for each and every achievement I take it as an assessment to open doors for the next assignment, and I will use this to unlock other chapters.”
Though Walaza said he had decided not to compete in the 200m event at the SA age group championships, in order to save himself ahead of a long season, he confirmed he was available for the AGN 4x100m relay team.
Another gold medal for Jingqi
In the U23 women’s 100m final, Viwe Jingqi (Athletics Central North West) won comfortably in 11.60 seconds, adding the national U23 crown to previous SA titles she has won in the U18, U20 and senior age groups.
“It feels special to win in a different age group,” Jingqi said after the race.
“Since I was 17 I’ve been breaking records, and now I have the U23 title as well, so it brings joy to me and it feels like it’s something new.”
After one day of competition, Athletics Gauteng North were top of the standings with a total of 30 medals (18 gold, four silver and eight bronze), with Athletics Central North West lying second (four gold, four silver and two bronze) and Central Gauteng Athletics in third (four gold, three silver and seven bronze).
* Featured image of Naeem Jack by Cecilia van Bers
