Young athletes from across South Africa showcased their skills and determination, breaking records and inspiring the next generation of track and field stars at the ASA Sub-Youth Championships held at the Free State Athletics Stadium.
Bloemfontein, South Africa (09 December 2024) – The Free State Athletics Stadium was abuzz with excitement as talented youngsters and keen sportsmen came out in their numbers to participate in the ASA Sub-Youth National Championships held this past weekend.
A programme by World Athletics, these championships celebrated the children’s innocence, their talents, great competition and new friendships under the watchful eyes of ASA-qualified technical officials and super enthusiastic crowds whose ear-shattering screams of joy were relentless.
According to Athletics South Africa, the day was filled with emotion and high spirits as some cried, some earned new statuses, and some took to dance. At the same time, most turned it into a family festivity now customary in South African athletics.
Highlights of the action-packed event saw the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) emerge as the dominant force, securing the top spot on the medal table, securing a total of 56 medals: 26 golds, 15 silvers, and 15 bronzes, finishing top of the overall standings.
Close competitors were Athletics Gauteng North (AGN), who earned 37 medals (nine gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze) to take second position, while host province Athletics Free State (AFS) raked in a haul of 19 medals: nine golds, four silvers and six bronze.
Sports stars show up and show out.
Individual athletes also shone with some superb performances, as records were broken across a range of events in various age groups.
Divan Pullen excelled in the U13 200m sprint, first setting a new meeting record of 22.70 seconds in the heats. He then improved his time in the final, winning the gold medal for Athletics Central North West (ACNW) with an impressive finish of 22.48 seconds.
In the boys U13 200m hurdles final, Reuben Smit (AFS) recorded a time of 25.55 seconds in the heats, breaking his own championship record of 22.92 seconds set last year. He further improved his performance in the final, finishing with a time of 22.48 seconds. Additionally, Kitso Mokoma (CGA) set a new record in the boys’ 13 80m hurdles with a time of 10.89 seconds.
In the boys’ U11 long jump, Jeorge Pretorius (CGA) landed at 5.46m to win gold, while his provincial teammate Hanru Bredenkamp achieved a new mark in the boys 11 turbo javelin with a 39.27m heave.
In other events, Aiden Andrews (CGA) rocketed home in 10.77 in the boys U9 80m race, Jamie Levine (KwaZulu-Natal Athletics) won the boys U9 600m final in 1:44.09 and Osego Remohlabi (ACNW) secured the boys U7 80m title in 11.73.
Among the girls, Sune Coetzee (CGA) landed the javelin at 42.67m in the 13-year age group, while Chantelique Smith (Athletics Vaal Triangle) launched a 41.50m effort. Both athletes threw further than the previous meeting record of 41.00m, which was set by Taylin de Jong last year.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the future of South African athletics is in good hands. These young stars, with their passion and talent, have the potential to make a significant impact on the global stage!
President of Athletics South Africa, James Moloi, said he was taken aback by South Africa’s diverse talent in youth athletics.
“This was just brilliant! And that’s the only way one can describe what happened over the competition.
“We saw little kids who were focussed, who understood takeoff, lane discipline, hurdles, the throws and jumps. Thank you to their coaches and management. One also must thank the superb work of the medics who were on their toes throughout reacting immediately to each incident on each day,” said Moloi who congratulated Athletics Free State for the delivery of a high-quality championship.
Sources: Athletics South Africa
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