Northerns youngster grabs gold at nationals

No one inside the Athletics Free State (AFS) Stadium, except her brother Karabo, rose to give Bontle Makgalemele a standing ovation after cutting the tape to win her U7 girls’ 80m heat at the ASA sub-youth track and field championships in Bloemfontein on December 7.

After Bontle crossed the line, Karabo, sitting with his parents, Nosipho and Jimmy, in the pavilion, ran down the stairs and stopped at the gate before belting out his sister’s name.

Bontle, with arms akimbo and facing northwards, looked to her left and saw her ‘biggest supporter’ clapping his hands before raising his fist in the air, confident that the seven-year-old Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) junior runner had posted the fastest time in the event.

Such is their love and support for each other that Karabo, an athlete himself, who had to watch Bontle earn her provincial colours and run in her second national championships while he is battling a nagging tendon and groin injuries, shows up and gives her younger sister the boost she needs.

“My brother is my number one supporter. He is faster than me but always helps me run fast. He believes I can win every race and tells me before each event I will be first if I focus on myself,” Bontle said.

She focused on herself and in the end grabbed her first national medal before helping CGA to a silver in the new 4x80m mixed relay race.

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Speed

Bontle has something about proving her doubters wrong. She felt her mum underestimated her and her teammates did not give her a chance, even after proving she could sprint during the provincial leagues.

“My mom said it was OK if I did not win; she underestimated me. I ran fast to show her I am a fast sprinter,” she said.

After the first two heats produced 12.50 and 12.61 as the times to beat, Bontle had her work cut out for her.
She stood at the start, laser-focused and once the gun went off, she went full-steam ahead before stopping the clock at 12.42, which was enough for the gold.

Although the last heat produced an identical time after KZN Athletics’ Nomzamo Dlamini also clocked 12.42, meaning they were joint first, Bontle, from Springs, was still chuffed with her achievement.

“I am happy because I clocked a PB. I improved my time from 12.78 to 12.42. That is 36 milliseconds less, and I knew my parents, brother, and coach were proud of me.”

Next up for the youngster is more fun in the sport and making lasting memories.

“I am looking forward to more fun, meeting and making friends with athletes from other provinces and improving my time,” said Bontle.

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