Distance aces Kaitlyn Bubb and Jade Doran stole the spotlight at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club (BNSC) Sportsperson of the Year awards on November 7.

Bubb was crowned the senior sportsperson of the year after a stellar season on the road. At the same time, Doran extended the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club’s (BNAC) rich tradition of junior excellence, following in the footsteps of 2023 winner Chelsea van Dyk and Siyanda Madlabane, who won last year.

Jan Jordaan was named the club person of the year, and Alan Knight received the life membership award.

Half-marathon specialist Bubb beat the Benoni Northerns Indians Ball Club’s junior and senior sportsman of the year, Caelum Stroberg, cricketer Andre Steyn, hockey player Sheila-Ann Robey, footballer Tshatsho Molapo and Benoni Northerns Rugby Club senior player of the year JJ de Klerk.

Some of the athlete’s incredible performances include victories at the Hoka Half Runfest and Vitality Old Eds half-marathon in a season’s best 01:22:42, as well as second place at the aQuelle Jacaranda City Marathon 21.1km race on November 8.

“It meant a lot to me. Anything about the BNSC is special. This is a special club, especially the athletics division. We dominated everything this evening. The athletics division is a close community. It’s a privilege to carry the name for the BNAC,” she said.

Steeplechaser and middle distance sensation Doran edged Stroberg, cricketer Kenan Shaw, hockey player Blaine Candy and footballer Ethan Liversage, as well as Valke U21 player and the rugby club’s junior player of the year Victor Pamire.

The Benoni High learner’s stellar year began with a gold and bronze medal in the 2 000m and 1 500m steeplechase events at the ASA age-group championships in Cape Town in March, which culminated in her selection to represent South Africa at the CAA U18 and U20 champs in Nigeria in July.

Also Read: McGregor wins top honours again

She finished fifth in the U18 girls’ 2 000m steeplechase at the continental juniors showpiece.

“I’m grateful. It means everything. Even if I didn’t perform the way I wanted to perform this year, I definitely learnt so many lessons,” she said.

Asked to give a summary of her year, she said, “It’s one season where I felt I was unstoppable. Even though there were some setbacks, what mattered was I kept going. It was a year of growth. I can’t wait for next year to be even better”.

She said her biggest achievement was “finding out I’m capable of more than I thought I was capable of”.

Despite his significant contribution to the club, Jordaan, a BNSC member for 34 years, said he doesn’t do it for recognition or accolades.

“I always say if you are passionate about something, it comes naturally. It’s not work or effort. I like to do it. It’s nice to be recognised, but it’s not why I do it. I do it because I love the club,” Jordaan said.

Knight, a member for over 20 years, said, “It’s been rewarding to do the work for this club. Being a member here has been the most pleasant experience I’ve had.”

Also Read: Smit wins top gong at Northerns awards