Chelsea van Dyk secured her 12th national gold medal, successfully defending her U16 girls’ 1500m title, on a day that ultimately belonged to record breakers at the ASA age-group track and field championships at Germiston Stadium on March 27.

Van Dyk controlled the race from the front to win comfortably in 04:27.25, finishing ahead of Megan Waller (04:37.43) and Jana de Jager (04:3860).

Records tumbled and statements were made as day two of the championships lit up the track in emphatic fashion.

No fewer than four records fell in a blistering session that showcased the country’s rising stars at their fearless best. Hurdlers Enrique Bosch (CGA), Janelle Kirkpatrick and Tumi Ramokgopa (both AGN) all rewrote the record books in their respective events, while Christi Loggenberg delivered a jaw-dropping run in the U18 women’s 400m.

Bosch, from Alberton, broke the elusive 13-second barrier for the first time, storming to gold in the U18 men’s 110m hurdles in 12.92. In doing so, he shaved 0.06 seconds off Matodzi Ndou’s previous mark of 12.96 to set a new national record.

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Kirkpatrick kept the momentum rolling, dipping under 13 seconds herself to win the U18 girls’ 100m hurdles in a record-breaking 12.96, obliterating Megan Nieman’s 13.12 set just last year.

Ramokgopa added her name to the history books in emotional fashion. After crossing the line and spotting her time, she erupted in celebration before sharing a heartfelt embrace with coach George Bradley. Her 12.93 not only secured victory in the U20 women’s 100m hurdles but also saw her better her own national record of 13.15 she set last year by 0.22 seconds.

Loggenberg then set the track ablaze in the U18 women’s 400m. Charging down the back straight with authority, she held off a determined Isabella Gunter to claim gold in 52.33, smashing Precious Molepo’s four-year-old record of 52.84.

The U18 men’s 1500m final delivered on its promise, with Tiisetso Malungane stamping his authority on a stacked field. Taking control after 300m, he dictated the race with confidence, stretching his lead with every lap to secure victory in 03:45.82.

Behind him, CGA’s Michael Bekker, Kempton Park, produced a gutsy run to claim silver in 03:51.52, timing his move perfectly to edge past national U18 800m record holder Emil Els in the closing stages. AGN’s Olerato Masiloane rounded out the podium in 03:54.76.

In the women’s 1500m, Lara Stander delivered a masterclass in race tactics. Biding her time as AGN’s Leandri Pretorius surged ahead, Stander struck decisively at the bell to seize control and power away to victory in 04:14.99. Pretorius settled for silver in 04:26.08, while Anke Stander secured bronze in 04:30.37.

Field events also delivered standout performances. CGA’s Khotso Motsamai soared to 6.90m to win the U16 boys’ long jump, while teammate Levi Fick claimed the U18 title with a leap of 7.35m.

Dewald Benjamin Bezuidenhout dominated the U20 men’s shot put with a throw of 19.77m, and Righardt Stander unleashed a 71.07m effort to take the U23 men’s javelin crown.

The event concludes today.

Also Read: Van Dyk and Rigele off to a flyer at ASA age-group champs