While her selection to represent CGA at this week’s ASA Age-Group Championships at Germiston Stadium came as a surprise, sprint hurdler Jordan-Lee Longstaff has embraced the opportunity with gratitude after one of her strongest seasons on the track.

The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club junior earned her provincial colours following a string of consistent performances, capped by a bronze medal in the U18 women’s 400m hurdles at the recent CGA Championships.

“Being picked for the CGA team is unexpected, but I trained very hard and put in a lot of hours on the track to reach this point,” she said.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my province at the ASA Champs. My performance at the CGA Championships was not what I was aiming for, but with focus and determination, I aim to run a PB at the next opportunity.”

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Despite feeling her showing at provincials may not have warranted national selection, Longstaff’s consistency during the league phase in both the 100m and 400m hurdles ultimately secured her place in the team.

Coached by Michael van Aswegen, Longstaff believes her hurdling technique remains one of her key strengths, although she has identified areas for improvement ahead of the championships.

“The start of my race is really strong. I am confident in my hurdling technique and have perfected the steps leading up to the hurdles. But I still have a lot of work to do on my final bend and my speed going into the home straight. I am aiming to improve that section of my race, and it will result in much better times,” she said.

Heading into the ASA Championships, the determined athlete has set her sights on personal bests in both her events.

“My main goal is to run a PB and to have fun on the track. A performance I would consider a success is executing the last 200m of my race as planned and smashing my PB.”

She also expressed appreciation for the support system around her.

“I would like to thank coach Mike for his amazing assistance and support through the ups and downs. He always knows how to lift you back up again. I’m also grateful to my teammates — we always support each other.”

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