Pietroiusti claims silver at cross-country champs

Matthew Pietroiusti underlined his steady progress on the cross-country circuit with a runner-up finish in the U13 boys’ 4km at the CGA cross-country championships in Germiston on August 16.

After a thrilling race, Pietroiusti secured the silver in 12:55, finishing behind the sensational Indiphile Myeki.
Myeki won in a dominant 12:49 with Benonian Rhys Connor Sawyer clinching the last podium spot.

The race got off to a fast start, with the Irun AC youngster settling in the leading bunch after the gun. After the first lap, the pack had been trimmed down to Pietroiusti, Myeki, Benoni Northerns’ Sawyer and Zandrèh van der Merwe and Mamepe Striders’ Bohang Qhoaisa.

The marked Myeki raised the tempo after 3km, breaking away from the group to take the lead. Poetroiusti stuck with the Katlehong AC athlete but the reigning national champion was too strong, dropping the Farrarmere Primary learner on the back end of the race to ultimately take the provincial title.

After his valiant effort, Pietroiusti expressed pride in his performance, lauding Myeki, Sawyer, Van der Merwe and Qhoaisa for an entertaining race.

“The start was intense. There were lots of gents in the pack. The first lap was fast. On the second lap, Indiphile and I pulled away. Honestly, my arms were too heavy towards the end. Indiphile was also too strong, so he pulled away,” said Pietroiusti.

While he knew the race was going to be fast, with Myeki setting the pace, Pietroiusti’s strategy was to stay in the front bunch and then stick with Myeki when he makes his move on the second lap.

“I knew Indiphile was going to be extremely fast and had a good chance of winning this race. My goal was to stick in the group in the first lap and stick with whoever was in the lead in the second lap. I did that and I’m proud of myself.”

The middle distance prospect, coached by Jared de Waal in Brakpan, said he was proud of qualifying for the national, adding that his improvement is a result of hard work and commitment to the sport.

“I’m happy because last year I was fourth at this championship. Finishing second this year is quite an improvement. This season, I went to training with determination. I knew if I didn’t put in any effort, I won’t succeed in the races.”

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