BAC youngsters shine at CGA champs

Karla Smit and Janelle Sassenberg clinched gold in their races while the club collected a total of six medals overall.

December 1, 2025

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Amy Naudè competes in the U13 girls' 75m hurdles. Photo: Lebohang Pita

Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) youngsters Karl Smit and Lea Pretorius shared their excitement following standout performances at the CGA sub-youth track and field championships at Germiston Stadium on November 22.

Smit clinched a gold in the U13 girls’ high jump and qualified for the ASA champs in Potchefstroom on December 5 and 6, while Pretorius grabbed a pair of bronze medals in the 200m hurdles and 75m hurdles.

Karla Smit with Esmè Steyn (left) and Leah Matthee. Photo: Lebohang Pita

Smit delivered a jumping exhibition after clearing 1.45m for her gold to become the only athlete in the girls’ section to jump over 1.40m. Esmè Steyn and Leah Matthee both cleared 1.40m for second and third, respectively.

“It was a good competition. It was fun. It’s my first season, and I’m glad I could get the results I wanted,” said Smit.

The U13 girls’ 75m hurdles top three are runner-up Nate Vorster, winner Martmari Rautenbach and Lea Pretorius. Photo: Lebohang Pita

Pretorius, who qualified for the nationals in the 200m hurdles, clocked 30.61 for third place, finishing behind winner Nate Vorster and runner-up Tyla Fourie of Benoni Northerns.

“After a tough season where they pushed me to my limits,” Pretorius said she was satisfied with her achievements, adding that she couldn’t have done it without her coach, Lindi-Lee du Plessis’ unwavering support.

Leanli Botha competes in the U13 70m hurdles. Photo: Lebohang Pita

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“I’m excited and can’t wait for the nationals. It’s exciting to work with my coach; she’s nice and supportive. She always trains me hard and prepares me well for all my races,” she said.

In other BAC results, Janelle Sassenberg clocked 11.79 seconds to win the U11 70m hurdles. She also qualified for the ASA champs. Mikayla Booysens was fifth in the same race. She finished in12.38 seconds to book her spot for the nationals.

Janelle Sassenberg won the U11 girls’ 70m hurdles. Photo: Lebohang Pita

Ziane Skyla de Klerk finished second in the U9 girls’ 60m in 08.81 seconds, while Avelie Jackson was seventh and sixth in the U7 girls’ 60m and 80m sprints. Amy Naudé clocked 13.34 seconds for sixth place in the U13 girls’ 75m hurdles.

Jordan Brits grabbed a pair of bronze medals in the U7 boys’ 60m and 80m. He finished 09.59 seconds in the 60m and clocked 12.78 seconds in the 80m dash to qualify for the nationals in both events.

Dian van Schalkwyk grabbed a bronze in the U13 boys’ 200m hurdles in a time of 28.76 to seal his place in the CGA team for the nationals. He was seventh in the 80m hurdles.

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