3 locals participate in SA Masters Athletics Championships
The athletes competed against their personal best performances to achieve their sporting dreams at the nationals.
The South African Masters National Athletics Championships held at PUC McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom saw local athletes Ralph Kimmins, Anton Vlok and Marisa Beukes win medals.
Kimmins competed in the 50-54 age group. Stefanie Kotzé coachs him, and belongs to the Germiston Callies Harriers Athletic Club.
At the championships, Kimmins won bronze in the 200m and long jump and four silvers in the 100m men’s relay.
“I loved the build-up to the champs, the adrenalin rush on the day, and spending time with friends was awesome,” said Kimmins.
He is grateful for his talent and to still compete at his age.
“It is just an indescribable feeling, even if you don’t always win medals,” he added.
For Anton Vlok, the SA Championships was an awesome experience. He competed in the 35-39 age category, winning bronze in the 100m and 200m, gold for long jump, silver for four 100m men’s relay races and gold for four 100m mixed relay races.
Rudi de Ru coaches Vlok, who is a Marias Viljoen Club member.
“Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) is an amazing group of athletes to be part of, and we are all like family,” said Vlok.
Marisa Beukes performed exceptionally in the 45-49 age category, securing gold in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and the four 100m mixed relay and bronze in the 400m.
“To win four gold medals exceeded my dream and expectations. I am grateful for my talent and the privilege to still run at this age. I love the camaraderie among the athletes. We all helped and encouraged each other, and friends from all over the country became like family. It is a competition in good faith and a lot of fun and jokes in between,” said Beukes.
Masters athletics is for those aged over 30.
