Benoni Northerns Athletic Club’s (BNAC) rising star, Denè Geldenhuys, moved a step closer to her dream of competing on the sport’s biggest stages when she captured her maiden provincial medal at the CGA sub-youth track and field championships at Germiston Stadium on November 22.

In her first full provincial season, the 13-year-old multitalented athlete capped off an incredible club campaign with a silver medal in the girls’ U13 javelin, throwing 25.64m. She finished behind Lexi Marx, who took gold with 26.13m, while Janike Slabbert of Helpmekaar College completed the top three with 14.97m.

“I want to go to the Olympics. I want to showcase the talent I have and fulfil my potential at the highest level,” said Geldenhuys.

Despite arriving at the championships with lingering doubts, the Ashton International College Grade Seven learner carried her league meetings momentum onto the big stage, delivering standout performances in both the javelin and short sprints. She clocked 27.87 to finish second in her 200m heat (ninth overall) and placed sixth in the 100m final in 13.13 seconds.

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These performances have strengthened her bid for selection to the CGA team for next month’s ASA sub-youth track and field championships in Potchefstroom.

Reflecting on her season, Geldenhuys praised the high level of competition throughout the series, saying it felt surreal to line up alongside such talented athletes in her age group.

“It’s my first time competing against these incredibly talented girls. So, I don’t see myself going into the nationals confident because it’s something I’ve never done before. It’s still new to me. Hopefully, this will help me go far. Otherwise, I’m happy with my results,” she said.

Asked about her decision to compete in both the short sprints and javelin, she said it began at school, driven by the desire to showcase Ashton’s strong athletics programme.

“I do everything at school because I want to be there for my school. I want to showcase my talent and do it for my school. I take pride in everything I do.”

Geldenhuys started running from an early age, saying she naturally connects with the sport and feels most at home when she’s on the track.

“Athletics is something I click with. I love running. I feel at home on the track. I don’t think about anything else but running and getting to the finish line and saying I tried my best,” Geldenhuys said.

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