Steeplechaser and middle-distance sensation Jade Doran will represent South Africa once again when she competes at the fourth African Youth Games in Angola.

The Benoni High learner is part of a squad of 91 athletes representing 12 sporting codes announced by the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic and Paralympic Committee (Sascoc) recently.

After earning her junior national colours in July when she represented the country at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18 and U20 championships, Doran will get another opportunity to establish herself as one of the best up-and-coming steeplechasers on the continent.

The only steeplechaser in the 18-member athletics squad, the runner named the Benoni Northerns Sports Club (BNSC) junior athlete of the year earlier this month, will fight for her first podium finish after a fifth-place in the U18 girls’ 2 000m steeplechase final at the CAA champs.

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Doran is reaping the rewards for her hard work in the steeplechase since earning her first national medal at last year’s age-group nationals in Pretoria.

At this year’s championships in Cape Town in March, she clocked 07:07.28 in the U18 2 000m steeplechase, shaving 19.8 seconds off her previous best of 07:27.03, clocked at altitude during the Gauteng schools championships at Pilditch Stadium on March 7.

The gold was an upgrade from the bronze medal she received at last year’s junior nationals, when she finished third in 05:16 in the U16 girls’ 1 500m steeplechase.

The Continental Games will start on December 10 in Luanda and will conclude on December 20.

Also Read: Doran reigns supreme