Heike grabs silver and bronze at provincials

Laerskool Rynfield athlete Heike Duvenage added two milestones to her list of achievements when she posted the eighth-best time in the province in the girls’ U13 75m hurdles during the recent Gauteng Athletics Championships at Boksburg Stadium.

After clocking 11.99 seconds in the semis, the 12-year-old posted an improved 11.66 in the final to finish third and seal her place in the provincial team for the nationals.

“This accomplishment fills me with immense gratitude,” she said. “I want to thank my coach, Michael Van Aswegen, who has been guiding me throughout my journey. Without his guidance and belief in me, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this level of success.”

Already an overachiever, the Grade Six learner won a silver medal after clearing 27.05m to finish in second place in the javelin, which was a huge achievement as she only started taking part in the discipline two months ago.

“I want to thank God for blessing me with the strength and opportunities to pursue my passion for athletics.”

Responding to what her favourite event is between the hurdles and javelin, Heike said, “I only started throwing javelin two months ago with the guidance of coach Kaytlin Els and my dad and I’m enjoying it more and more every day.

“The hurdles is still my favourite. It’s not just about running fast. It’s a combination of timing, technique and coordination done in less than 12 seconds.”

While qualifying for the nationals was a huge achievement for the youngster, she said her biggest dream is to represent the country at the Olympic Games.

For that to happen though, she placed hard work and determination above all else, saying she wants to keep on improving by putting in the work at training, as well as pushing herself to become a well-rounded athlete.

“Every time I practice, I see myself improving. Setting goals and working hard to achieve them is a big motivator. The support and encouragement I get from my coaches and family keeps me determined to push forward, even when things get tough,” said Heike.

The Olympics may not be on the horizon yet for Heike, but her immediate goal is to dip under 11.66 seconds in the hurdles and throw further than 27.05m to have any chance of podiuming at the nationals.

“I want to perform at my best and give it everything on the track and field. I aim to improve my PB and to finish on the podium,” she said.

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