Benonians Chelsea van Dyk and Gemma Rigele got their ASA U16, U18, U20 and U23 Track and Field Championships campaign off to a cracking start at Germiston Stadium on March 26, delivering composed performances to book their places in the finals.

On a slick track following an earlier drizzle, Van Dyk opened her title defence with a measured run in the first heat of the U16 girls’ 1500m. Sitting at the back early on, the St Dunstan’s College learner steadily worked her way through the field before taking control at the bell, striding clear to win in 04:42.57.

Rigele, meanwhile, showed grit and speed in the U18 girls’ 400m. After a slow start, she powered down the back straight to chase down Athletics Gauteng North’s (AGN) Christi Loggenberg, stopping the clock at a personal best 56.34 to win her heat, with Loggenberg second in 56.69.

But as the programme built toward its finale—after delays caused by thunder and rain—it was the sprinters who lit up the track with a series of explosive performances.

Eastern Province Athletics (EPU) speedster Marko Ferreira stole the spotlight in the U20 men’s 100m. The 19-year-old surged to a blistering 10.09 personal best in the semi-finals before returning to claim the national title in 10.16, upsetting favourites Mukona Manavhela (10.18) and Zattu Hlongwane (10.32) of AGN.

In the women’s 100m, Athletics Mpumalanga’s Zoë Cillier edged sprint sensation Hannah Hope Vermaak to gold in 11.62, with Vermaak taking silver in 11.72.

Also Read: Van Dyk wins gold at nationals

Rising talent Camara Bintou powered to victory in the U16 girls’ 100m in 11.97, while Boland’s Vuyo Ngobeni secured the boys’ title in 10.70.

There was more sprint success for Boland in the U18 ranks, with Kaith Konde claiming the women’s crown and teammate Marlon Kayster winning the men’s race in 10.31.

South African U18 and U20 100m record holder Viwe Jingqi and Western Province Athletics’ Karriem Abduraghmaan closed out the evening in style, clinching the U23 women’s and men’s titles in 11.48 and 10.26 respectively.

Earlier in the distance events, Brakpan’s Katelyn Steenkamp, representing Athletics Central North West (ACNW), claimed the U23 women’s 5000m in 18:26.59. In the men’s race, AGN’s Msawenkosi Mnisi edged a tightly contested finish to win in 14:10.56 ahead of CGA’s Zenzile Pheko and Sbusiso Msibi.

Athletics Vaal Triangle’s Selna van As secured victory in the U20 women’s 5000m, while Melvin Mashishi of AGN took top honours in the men’s race.

In the field events, Samkelo Dlamini of Athletics Free State leapt to gold in the men’s long jump with a 7.20m effort, while Boland’s Adrienne Gallop claimed the women’s title with 5.80m.

Athletics Free State’s hammer thrower produced a winning mark of 55.50m in the U16 boys’ competition, while CGA’s Mignon Le Grange secured the U23 women’s shot put title with a 14.23m throw.

Elsewhere, Nomboleko Qhama and Yamkela Shosha claimed the U18 and U20 race walking titles respectively, while Rivers Williams stormed to victory in the U23 men’s 10 000m.

The championships continue today and are set to conclude tomorrow, with Van Dyk and Rigele among those chasing podium finishes.

Also Read: Rigele enjoys breakthrough season with three medals at champs