Steeplechaser Doran to represent SA at African Champs
She's part of a 67-member team that will represent the country in the third edition of the event.
National U18 2 000m steeplechase champion Jade Doran is ecstatic after being selected to represent SA at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African U18 and U20 Championships in July.
After clocking a PB 07:07.27 to win the national title during the ASA junior and youth track and field championships in Cape Town in March, the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) athlete was drafted in the 67-member squad that will do battle for the nation in the third edition of the event in Abeokuta, Nigeri, from July 16 to 20.
The squad comprises 30 girls and 37 boys and includes national 200m champion Rumè Burger, who shocked the country when she won the half-lap event at the ASA senior track and field champs in Potchefstroom last month.
The team also includes sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza; hurdles prospect Tumi Ramokgopa and racewalker Lee-Sue Nyathi.
Speaking to the Benoni City Times, Doran explained that this is the biggest achievement of her career and that it’s proof that hard work pays off.
“I feel happy and grateful,” she said. “I didn’t even realise I’ve qualified for the African Games. It means everything. It’s the biggest achievement of my athletic career. I’m very happy.”
Doran expressed gratitude to her coach, Michael van Aswegen, her parents, and all those who have supported her throughout her career.
“Thank you so much to them. I’m grateful to everyone. They add so much to my life.”
Describing Doran’s journey, Van Aswegen said this selection came at the right time because of the athlete’s hard work over the last seven years.
“It’s been such a journey. She started as the 40th-placed athlete in Benoni in the first league she ran. She slowly progressed through the ranks, placing 38th at her first Gauteng champs.
“The next year, she finished 20th. She made her first track champs at age 12 after Covid-19. She made the 1200m final but finished 10th. The following year, she didn’t even make the 800m final and was last in the 1500m final,” he said.
Struggling in the flat events, Van Aswegen and Doran decided to try the steeplechase when the Benoni High learner was transitioning to high school to be at the level she wanted to be at.
“This selection has given her the stamp of approval she needed to believe that she’s one of the best. Over the last seven years, her work has allowed her to represent her country. It’s all coming at the right time.”
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