Marais Viljoen star athlete ranked in SA Top 10 set to represent South Africa in Namibia

At just 16 years old, Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School learner Ashlynn Norman is making waves in the world of athletics.

The Grade 11 learner has not only secured a coveted spot among South Africa’s Top 10 long jumpers across all age groups but has also been selected to represent the country at the upcoming African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region V Games in Windhoek Namibia from July 4 to 13.

Ashlynn ranked eighth nationally in the long jump with a personal best of 6.05m, has become a standout figure in South African youth athletics.

Her recent selection by Central Gauteng Athletics to wear the green and gold on an international stage marks a pivotal moment in her athletic journey and in the lives of her proud parents and school community.

A dream comes true

Ashlynn still recalls the moment she found out she would be donning the national colours.

“When my mom told me I had been selected to represent South Africa, I was speechless,” she said.

“I broke down in tears. It was overwhelming and exciting.”

She had just returned from picking up her siblings and finishing a study session when her mother, Nataly Norman, broke the news.

“She said, ‘Ashlynn, I have some good news for you,’ and I thought it was just something small. I didn’t expect this at all.”

This will be Ashlynn’s first time representing South Africa abroad, which is a major milestone for both her and her family.

“I’m very excited. I can’t stop thinking about the fact that I’ll be representing my country. I’m the first in my family to do so and the youngest, too,” she beamed.

Top achievements and world rankings

Ashlynn has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments for a junior athlete:

• U15 long jump vhampion – SASA High School Athletics

• U15 100m bronze medalist – SASA High School Athletics

• ASA South African champion – U16 Long Jump

• World Rankings – U18, World Athletics

• 15th in long jump

• 77th in 100m

Seasonal Bests (2025):

• Long Jump: 6.05 metres

• 100m: 12.01 seconds

• 200m: 25.47 seconds

Setting goals on the global stage

As the AUSC Region V Games draw near, Ashlynn’s goals are clearly defined.

“I want to better my personal best and aim for a podium finish. It would also be amazing if I could get scouted or find a sponsor.”

Though competing against elite athletes from across Southern Africa may seem intimidating, Ashlynn remains focused on self-improvement.

“I haven’t researched my competition. I’m just trying to focus on myself. My parents always tell me that my biggest competition is me. I just want to be better than I was yesterday.”

Balancing training, school, and a bright future

Ashlynn’s training schedule is demanding. She currently trains with senior athletes at the University of Johannesburg under the guidance of coach Reneilwe Aphane.

“I train in the mornings with the seniors. On those days, I leave home at 09:45 and get back around 13:00. My sessions are about two and a half hours long,” she explained.

Despite her busy schedule, Ashlynn continues to thrive academically.

She is a recipient of a 100% scholarship from Marais Viljoen High School, which covers her school fees from grades eight to 12, awarded in recognition of her athletic achievements.

She also wears the school’s prestigious white blazer, awarded only to learners who represent South Africa or win national championships.

“The school has been incredibly supportive. They’ve made it possible for me to pursue athletics at this level.”

A family’s support

Behind Ashlynn’s success is a tight-knit and devoted family.

Her parents, Nataly and Graham, have supported her from the very beginning – from cheering at races to managing her daily routine.

“We realised when she was around 10, in Grade Four, that she loved running,” said Nataly.

“Every time we told her to walk, she would run instead. She always wanted to be on the track.”

Nataly described the moment they received the email confirming Ashlynn’s selection for the national team.
“I had to call my husband and say, ‘We’ve got good news.’ We didn’t fully understand the email at first. When it sunk in, we just praised the Lord. We’d been praying for a breakthrough.”

Though the family won’t be able to accompany Ashlynn to Namibia because her younger siblings are committed to their own sports (netball and soccer), they’ll be supporting her every step of the way from home.

“We’ll call her every day, check-in, and cheer her on from South Africa,” Nataly said.

More than just talent: Dedication and discipline

Ashlynn’s father, Graham Norman, sees more than just raw talent in his daughter.

“She’s freshly 16 and competing among seniors. That’s remarkable. Long jump has been her main event since primary school, and we always knew she’d go far. Her current ranking proves that she’s on the right path.
“It’s not just about the now. It’s about where she’s going. Her hard work, dedication, and faith have brought her this far,” he added.

“Running makes me feel alive. It brings me joy. I take training seriously and dream of competing in the Olympics someday. That’s my ultimate goal,” said Ashlynn.

Beyond Namibia, Ashlynn has already set her sights on the pre-season meets starting in September, including the Egoli Top 30, NWU Top 30, and Career Podium Meet.

“The school has already entered me into those meets. I’m excited to compete again and hopefully improve my performance even more.”

She also hopes to pursue a career in sports after graduating from high school.

“I’m considering studying sports science or becoming a sports doctor. I’d love to travel with South African teams.”

One of SA’s finest

Ashlynn’s recent leap of 6.05m, which earned her the number eight spot in the nation, is not just a number. It’s a symbol of her growth, commitment, and potential.

“That jump was a big goal for me,” she said. “When I did it, I jumped the fence to hug my mom and tell her. I was over the moon.”

She’s aware of the importance of her achievements and is hungry for more.

“This ranking has changed how I see myself. I’m one of the best jumpers and sprinters in SA, and now, I want to be number one.”

With her humble attitude and relentless work ethic, Ashlynn is more than just a rising star – she’s a national treasure in the making.