The Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, later this month will mark a significant milestone in sprint hurdler Gemma Rigele’s burgeoning athletics career.

Rigele will cap a remarkable season by making her South African debut when she represents the country at the regional schools competition from August 31 to September 3.

The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) junior athlete has enjoyed a breakthrough year, earning colours for both club and school and establishing herself as one of the promising young hurdlers in the country.

Her season reached new heights at the ASA track and field championships, where she reached the U18 women’s hurdles final and finished seventh.

She then produced the performance that has arguably defined her season when she dipped under a minute for the first time to win the U18 girls’ 400m hurdles title at the SA Schools Championships at Pilditch Stadium in May.

Rigele clocked a personal-best 59.95 to achieve a goal she had set for herself after only taking up hurdles at the beginning of the year.

“This latest achievement, along with winning SA Schools, is my biggest one yet and has helped me to gain confidence in my athletics career and to own my spot on the track,” she said.

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“My goal this year was to qualify for SAs, as I had always dreamed of competing at a national level. I still remember holding back tears as I walked back to my dad on the side of the track with my green letter saying I had qualified for SA Schools — and look where I am now.

“Being able to represent South Africa while doing what I love is a dream come true, and it’s just the start of my hurdles and track journey, where I can make a name for myself.”

The Central Gauteng teenager described her performance at the schools championships as the one she is most proud of this season.

The victory added to her 400m hurdles gold at the CGA Championships, where she also collected bronze medals in the 400m flat and high jump.

“I smashed my PB and proved that I can go sub-60. Coming down the last straight, I couldn’t help but smile — all my hard work and tough training sessions had paid off,” she said.

“Seeing my parents and my teammates screaming my name will forever be a memory I hold close to my heart.”

Now, with the opportunity to don the national colours for the first time, the St Dunstan’s College learner is setting her sights on a podium finish in Bulawayo.

“My goals for the COSSASA Games are to hopefully medal and to run a personal best,” said Rigele.

“Recently I have been ill and playing hockey for school and for Northerns, so I am training hard to bounce back into my racing form and give my absolute best in Bulawayo.”

As she prepares for her biggest international opportunity yet, Rigele credited coach Michael van Aswegen and her family for playing a crucial role in her rapid progress.

“I love making them proud, and I immediately look for them in the stands after the finish line,” she said.

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