ASA boss proud of youth athletes after the national senior championships success

This year marked a significant change from tradition, as the event expanded from three days to four, accommodating the intense competition among athletes for Olympic Games qualifying times and national titles in various disciplines.

The additional day it was proved to be a triumphant enhancement to the championships’ fiercely competitive atmosphere.

This event showcased talent, featuring seasoned athletes like Akani Simbine and Wayde Van Niekerk alongside emerging stars such as Bradley Nkoana, Bayanda Walaza, and Benjamin Richardson.

The America-based Wildschutt brothers, Adriaan and Nadeel, dominated by winning the 5000m and 10 000m titles, respectively.

READ: Benjamin Richardson upsets his idol Wayde Van Niekerk to qualify for the Olympics

In a surprising turn, Prudence Sekgodiso, typically an 800m runner, made her 5000m debut and early clinched the gold from Glenrose Xaba securing silver with a time of 16:02:00.

Jerry Motsau, who is 34 years old, recaptured the 1500m title a decade after his first victory added to the 3000m steeplechase that he won earlier in the competition.

Xaba excelled by clinching both the 5000m and 10 000 titles. In a stunning upset, Benjamin Richardson, a rising star, defeated his idol Van Niekerk to win the 200m title in 20.15 seconds and qualify for the Olympic Games. Viwe Jingqi clinched her first 100m title with a winning time of 11.23 seconds, outpacing the experienced former champion, Tamzin Thomas, who finished in 11.47 seconds.

Simbine defended his national 100m title for the seventh time,  it was Walaza and Nkoana, who highlighted the bright future of ASA, placing second and third demonstrating the potential of younger athletes competing at a high level.

ASA President James Moloi expressed his admiration for the participants and the overall execution of the event. “I would like to thank the athletes and the sponsors, whose contributions have made this one of the best events in recent years. Moloi said: “Many of our younger competitors, closed the gap with their senior counterparts. Watching Viwe clinch the national title was a proud moment at the age of 19 years, and seeing Richardson defeat a top contender like Wayde was no small feat. Fortunately, most of the athletes met the Olympic qualifying standards. Those who didn’t can still seek opportunities abroad. We invite them to contact the ASA office for assistance with funding. We are thoroughly pleased with the performances we’ve seen over the past four days and are happy for the athletes,” Moloi shared these thoughts during an interview with SABC Sport.   

The athletes who have qualified for the Olympic Games

Women

Marione Fourie (100m hurdles)

Zeney Geldenhuys (400m hurdles)

Rogail Joseph (400m hurdles)

Prudence Sekgodiso (800m)

Gerda Steyn (Marathon)

Irvette Van Zyl (Marathon)

Cian Oldknow (Marathon)

Men

Akani Simbine (100m)

Luxolo Adams (200m)

Benjamin Richardson (200m)

Wayde Van Niekerk (400m)

Lythe Pillar (400m)

Zakhithi Nene (400m)

Tshepo Tshite (1500m)

Adriaan Wildschutt (5000m and 10 0000)

Stephen Mokoka (Marathon)

Jovan Van Vuuren (long jump)