Rigele enjoys breakthrough season with three medals at champs

She grabbed a gold in the U18 women's 400m hurdles, silver in the flat 400m and bronze in the high jump.

March 19, 2026

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Gemma Rigele won the U18 women's 400m hurdles. Photo: Lebohang Pita

Gemma Rigele’s transformation from high jump prospect to one-lap contender gathered serious momentum at the CGA Track and Field Championships at UJ Athletics Stadium on March 13 and 14.

The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club teenager delivered a standout, all-round performance, securing a medal in every event she contested — a feat that underlined both her versatility and rapid rise in the 400m ranks.

Gemma Rigele showcases her gold medal obtained from the U18 women’s 400m hurdles. Photo: Lebohang Pita

While Rigele shone in familiar territory, clearing 1.55m to claim bronze in the U18 women’s high jump, it was on the track where she truly stamped her authority.

She powered to gold in the 400m hurdles in 1:02.79, comfortably ahead of Helpmekaar Kollege’s Matheia Casanoves (1:07.55), while teammate Jordan-Lee Longstaff took third. She then doubled back to claim silver in the flat 400m, clocking 57.05 to finish behind Chane Fourie (54.86), with UJ’s Teegan Aronson third in 58.11.

Gemma Rigele runs on the finishing straight of the U18 women’s 400m. Photo: Lebohang Pita

Exhausted but elated after her 400m effort, Rigele admitted even she had not anticipated such a breakthrough season.

“I’m really tired now because I just finished, but I’m so happy because I never thought I could actually do this this year,” she said.

The U18 women’s 400m top three are thrid-placed Teegan Aronson, winner Chanè Fourie and runner-up Gemma Rigele. Photo: Lebohang Pita

“I only started taking it seriously this year after beginning training late last year, so I thought I was behind. But it turns out I’m actually doing just fine. I’m really happy with my progress and where I am right now.”

Also Read: Double for Van Dyk and golds for Doran, Rigele and Cobbett at CGA champs

Her journey into the one-lap events has been a gradual but decisive shift. Initially focused on high jump, Rigele discovered her potential over 400m during her Grade Nine year.

Gemma Rigele was second in the U18 women’s 400m. Photo: Lebohang Pita

“My main focus was high jump, but in Grade Nine I made the team for the 400m and that’s when I realised I could actually do this,” she explained.

“I kept working on it, and my high jump became a bit inconsistent, so now it’s more something I do for myself. My focus is on the 400m and 400m hurdles, which I only picked up this year. I’m really excited to see where I can go next year.”

Gemma Rigele with the U18 women’s high jump runner-up Chanèl Le Roux. They are with CGA President Karabo Mabilo. Photo: Lebohang Pita

That belief has already paid off. Rigele not only emerged as one of the standout performers at provincials but also achieved a major personal milestone.

“All I wanted to do was make the nationals. That was my biggest dream and it’s come true. I’m really happy with myself,” she said.

Gemma Rigele with U18 women’s 400m hurdles bronze medalist Jordan-Lee Longstaff. Photo: Lebohang Pita

With the ASA age-group championships looming, her focus is clear.

“I’m not too focused on placement, but I’d definitely love to get on the podium. More than anything, I just want to run my best.”

Gemma Rigele holds her bronze medal obtained in the U18 women’s high jump. Photo: Lebohang Pita

Rigele was quick to credit Coach Michael van Aswegen and her support structure for her rapid progress.

“Ever since I started with coach Michael, my athletic career has just gone way up. He’s lovely, the training group is great, and there’s strong competition. I love where I am. It’s amazing.”

Also Read: Northerns youngsters start track and field season positively