Nel displays growth at league meeting
She competed in the U18 girls’ 800m, finishing the two-lap race seventh overall.
Benoni Harriers athlete Mary-Jane (MJ) Nel produced one of the encouraging performances of the day at the opening of the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) track and field meeting at the Germiston Stadium on January 31.
The younger sister of provincial 3 000m provincial champion Bronywn Nel, who is studying in the USA, showcased growing confidence with a composed and exciting run in the U18 girls’ 800m.
Her performance was a clear reflection of the work she has put in with coach Richard O’Donoghue over the past few months, as she continues to build momentum early in the season.
MJ finished seventh in the heat in 02:45.29, crossing the line alongside teammate Kaitlyn Mackay. Both finished 10th in the overall results.
Middle distance sensation Kiana Pepler led the Harriers’ charge with first place in the U20 women’s 800m, covering the two-lap race in 02:26.70.
Also Read: Pepler and Hickley lead Harriers charge at Johnson Crane
After her outstanding performance at the Wildeklwer TUT Top 14 in Pretoria last week, where she finished second in the 3 000m (10:38.60) and 1 500m (04:54.09 PB), Emma Hickley clocked another podium place.
This time, the Hoërskool Hans Moore learner finished third in the U18 girls’ 800m after crossing the line in 02:26.17.
Boys
Gareth Jonas was second in his U18 boys’ 800m heat after clocking 02:14.01. He was fourth overall. The youngster clocked his second top five finish of the meeting when he finished fifth in 04:45.50 in the 1 500m.
There were also encouraging performances from Marcel Volschenk and Francois Redelinghuys in the same race, while Joshua den Heijer, Jonathan Whitehead and Ockert Winter, as well as Divan Klein, Alexander Whitehead and Marnu Kachelhoffer, showcased their continued growth.
Also Read: Nel hopes for glory at nationals
