Northerns juniors remind Van Aswegen of his love for athletics
The coach has led his group to one of its most successful years with most of the runners earning their provincial colours while Chelsea van Dyk continued her dominance.
After a season of historic achievements, Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) juniors’ coach Michael van Aswegen was again acknowledged when his athletes were selected for the team to represent CGA at the ASA age-group track and field championships in Bloemfontein on December 7.
Van Aswegen led Chelsea van Dyk to a historic cross-country double gold while it was a breakthrough season for the likes of Heike Duvenage, Tamica Lloyd, Joshua Broughton and Zandreh van der Merwe.
The 32-year-old continued to add to the CGA talent pool with juniors like Dominique Broughton, Danè Rudolph and Shayla Lloyd while experienced campaigners Alexia Visser, Jade Doran and Kayla Botha are among the province’s best young up-and-coming talent.
“We have indeed had a phenomenal year. All credit goes to the athletes for putting in the effort and hard work. This sport is at times lonely and unforgiving but those who stick it out end up being the most resilient human beings. We saw this throughout the season,” he said.
Reflecting on what many would call a successful season after phenomenal performances from the likes of Van Dyk, Visser and Botha, the coach isn’t chuffed by medals or titles but by the smiles on his athletes’ faces at the end of the year.
“Irrespective of achievements, accolades and honours, we are always focused on the love and passion for the sport over everything else. I know we have had a great year when I get to the last two weeks of the year completely exhausted because of the journey we have been on.”
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Although Van Dyk enjoys the lion’s share of attention due to her success, there are lots of improvements in Van Aswegen’s camp. He has created an environment where the athletes understand there will be highs and lows and as long they trust the process, are committed and continue to work hard, then the high standards they have set are achievable.
“Working with these superstars keeps reminding me why I love this sport. From the little ones starting on their journey to the seniors competing for national medals and trophies. Each child has their own story to tell, and each child’s story will have their version of success. They are in it together but all on their path.”
Born and bred in Kempton Park, Van Aswegen started running in Grade One. He was inspired by his three-time Comrades Marathon gold medallist and world 100km championships bronze medallist mother and his father, who was a junior Springbok over the 400m in the 1980s.
The Aston Manor Primary and Hoërskool Kempton Park alumnus specialised in the 800m and won many national medals in track and field and cross-country. He also represented the country at the sixth World Junior Championships in 2009 in Italy, reaching the semis of the boys’ double-lap race.
“By the end of high school, I knew that this was a sport I wanted to make my profession. My biggest highlight was representing our country at the 2009 World Youth Championships and then going over to the States to study at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette,” said Van Aswegen.
He transitioned into coaching after a successful career that included a PB 1:51.08 over 800m and 04:35.87 in the one mile.
“I wanted to be a part of the athletics world in any way possible and coaching has always been a way to give back to the sport that gave me so much. I felt that there was a gap in the South African coaching environment, especially when it came to developing athletes from age 10 to 13 and setting them up for success in high school. That’s where I started to apply myself.”
The father of one, whose ‘little potato’ came and filled a void he didn’t know existed, wants to be remembered for loving the sport, his athletes, coaches and competitors.
Also Read: Van Dyk raises the bar high at champs
