Middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso and javelin thrower Douw Smit led the charge for the South African contingent on Tuesday night, setting personal bests at the Golden Spike track and field meeting in Ostrava.
In the women’s 800m race, Sekgodiso triumphed in 1:57.16, taking 0.10 off her career best of 1:57.26 which had been set in Rabat last year.
She held off a challenge down the home straight from training partner Oratile Nowe of Botswana, who broke her own national record by finishing second in 1:57.49.
Nowe, who dipped under two minutes for the seventh time this season, chopped nearly a full second off her previous national mark of 1:58.47.
Smit goes beyond 84 metres
Smit, meanwhile, also set a personal best in the men’s javelin throw competition.
He landed the spear at 84.12m to take second place, going beyond 84 metres for the first time in his career.
World champion Neeraj Chopra of India secured victory with a best throw of 85.29m.
In other events, SA record holder Tshepo Tshite ended ninth in the men’s 1 500m race in 3:34.14, while Luan Munnik finished ninth in the 1 500m B race in 3:36.89.
In the men’s 800m contest for master athletes, Oloff van Zyl took 10th position in 2:12.56.
* Featured image of Douw Smit by Cecilia van Bers
