Tyran Brooks produced a tactical masterclass at the CGA cross-country championships at Germiston Soccer Club on August 15, biding his time before unleashing a devastating final-lap kick that left challenger Junior Noah choking on dust.

Noah, cheered on by hordes of supporters, dictated the combined U16 and U17 boys’ 6km race for two laps and appeared to have Brooks under pressure.

But the Boxer AC athlete remained composed, knowing the race would ultimately be decided in the final kilometre.

When the Hoërskool Marais Viljoen learner launched his decisive attack, Noah had no answer.

Brooks powered clear to win in 18:50, punching the air as he crossed the line unchallenged. Noah held on for silver in 19:20, with Stephen Joubert taking bronze three seconds later.

“It was calm. Junior normally goes out, so I was like, I’ll just float behind him. I’m not really taking this race seriously yet because I’m focusing on the COSSASA Games where I’m running for South Africa,” Brooks said.

While his relaxed approach fooled many into believing Noah might finally dethrone him, Brooks, from Alberton, admitted there was a deliberate strategy behind his patience.

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“You have to play people. Everyone thinks if you’re in front, you will win. This is not a sprint. This is a long mental game.”
Brooks’ victory was made sweeter by the sportsmanship he showed after the race. He urged Noah on as his rival entered the finishing straight before embracing him warmly at the finish.

“In a race, no one’s friends in the middle of a race. But after a race, stay humble. He’s your friend. There’s no reason to hate another man. After the race, congratulate him. He tried his best.”

The victory capped a successful year for Brooks, who said winning the U18 3 000m gold at the ASA age-group track and field championships at Germiston Stadium earlier in the season gave him the confidence to push himself further.

“It felt completely amazing. It made me believe in myself once again and gave me the motivation to go and run a sub-four in the 1 500m, which I was struggling to do.”

Now his focus shifts to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he will represent South Africa at the Confederation of School Sport Association of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games later this month.

“I just want to prove that South Africans can run. We are underestimated, so I just want to get it out there that we are better.”

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