Reiger Park middle distance runners Yasmin Jooste and Norman Hermia dedicated their performances at the fourth CGA cross-country league meeting in Daveyton on June 20 to their late coach, Everon Norman.

The Boxer AC athletes paid tribute to the mentor who played a pivotal role in their development, with Jooste crediting him for helping guide her to the CGA sub-youth track and field championships 1 200m title in November before she added a silver medal at the ASA champs a month later.

Jooste stormed to victory in the U12 girls’ 3km race, covering the one-and-a-half laps of the Marivate Park course in a blistering 11:41. Norman crossed the finish line 11 seconds later to claim second place overall and victory in the U11 category.

“I rate this performance 10 out of 10 because after the passing of my coach, we didn’t train properly and our hearts were sore,” said Jooste.

“We trained very hard, so I’m very happy with this race.”

Known for her front-running style, Jooste took control of the race after a closely contested opening kilometre with Absa Running Club athlete Florah Molepo.

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Once in front, she relied on her speed and strength to steadily increase the gap, leaving Norman and Molepo to battle for the remaining podium positions.

Molepo appeared set to secure second place in the closing stages, but a determined Norman dug deep to surge past and finish behind Jooste, earning the U11 victory. Molepo settled for third overall and second place in the U12 division.

Jooste was delighted to secure her first-ever league victory and encouraged fellow young athletes to continue working hard towards their goals.

“It’s my first time winning a league. There were some tough races and some easier races, but I want to encourage everyone to keep dreaming, pushing and training hard because you never know who is watching.”

The 12-year-old Reiger Park Primary School learner hopes athletics will create opportunities for her future, including a high school scholarship.

“I’m hoping to get a better high school opportunity and am doing it for my coach because he wished for us to do well.”

For Norman, the victory was the reward for years of perseverance and demanding training sessions.

“It makes me feel excited because I’ve been training hard. I cried a lot during hard sessions, but the coach always

Both athletes now have their sights set on podium finishes at the CGA Championships in August, with qualifying for the ASA Cross Country Championships in Pretoria in September their immediate target.

“I want to win, especially nationals, because last year I came second at the track and field champs. I’m hoping to win the cross-country nationals,” said Jooste.

Hermia echoed her teammate’s ambition, adding: “My goal is to win provincials and qualify for nationals.”

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