Benoni Harriers youngster Gareth Jonas has raised his hand to fill the void left by young middle-distance prospects like Indiphile Myeki and Philani Luthuli, who CGA lost after being snapped up by schools in Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) at the end of last season’s sub-youth track and field campaign.

Running in the U16 boys’ 800m during the second CGA open track and field league meeting at Germiston Stadium on February 7, Jonas produced one of the most thrilling performances of the day.

After a strong start, the 14-year-old settled into his rhythm down the back straight, tracking Liam Enders, who surged to the front from the gun. Jonas locked onto Enders and stayed on the heels of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) athlete for most of the two-lap race.

While it became evident in the final 200m that Enders would take line honours, the chasing pack threatened to reel in a fading Jonas. However, the St Dunstan’s College learner dug deep, held his composure and ultimately set a PB 2:09.41, with Enders claiming victory in 2:02.67.

“It’s my first season running track for clubs. So, I wanted to make a statement and prove to myself that I can do it,” Jonas said.

“The competition is definitely tough. It’s a new experience for me. I need to enjoy it. I can scope out my competition to improve myself. I want to associate myself with competitive people so that I can learn from them.”

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The teenager credited Coach Richard O’Donoghue for his early success, saying the mentor, along with his teammates, including Kiana Pepler and Carina Maber, made training an enjoyable and motivating experience.

“Coach Richard sees training and running as a progressive process. He doesn’t push us too hard; just enough so that we can do well and work on our future. It’s a daily thing. He makes it an enjoyable experience.”

Buoyed by a successful cross-country season last year, Jonas is determined to carry the momentum into the track season and is setting sights on qualification for the ASA U16, U18, U20 and U23 championships next month.

“Having done decently in the cross-country season, I want replicate that and make it to the provincials and maybe further,” he said.

His journey in athletics began in Grade One, following in the footsteps of his father, a prolific age-group athlete who has since completed the Comrades Marathon three times.

“It’s something I’ve been doing since I was a child. My dad was a runner in high school. He made it to the SA champs for the Eastern Cape. That’s an inspiration for me. He’s been helping enjoy the sport. I’m trying to be better than him but also make him proud.”

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