Louw chuffed with silver at nationals

Reiger Park hurdler Cade Louw fulfilled his promise of a podium finish at the ASA age-group track and field championships in Bloemfontein on December 7.

After clinching a silver at the CGA champs three weeks ago, Louw told the newspaper he would be gunning for a top-three finish at the nationals. He did as he promised with a performance he will remember for years.

Although he finished second in the U13 boys’ 200m hurdles, Louw wasn’t too uptight because he lost the gold to the fastest hurdler in the country, Reuben Smit.

“I feel great. I tried to get a gold but a silver is also good. Overall, it’s a great feeling to come here and get a medal,” he said.

Running in the first heat, the 13-year old clocked 26.94 (almost identical to his provincials time of 26.92) which was the fastest time of the event before Smit set the Athletics Free State stadium alight in the second heat.

Also Read: Madlabane wins first nationals track gold

The AFS hurdler didn’t just beat the target, he also smashed his own national record of 26.10 he set last year at Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda when he clocked a quick-fire 25.55, enough to win the gold and shoot Louw down to second place.

Reflecting on the race, a slightly disappointed Louw reckons he could have clocked a faster time and grabbed first place if he had got his technique right from the start.

“If I had kept my hands close to my body and if I was more effective over my hurdles, I could have gotten the gold. But Reuben is a great runner. He ran 25.55. He totally deserves it. It’s a new record. Congratulations to him.”

Sharing his overall experience of the event, the sprinter said this has increased his hunger to succeed, adding that he can be expected to post much faster times next year.

“I got to run against the fastest hurdler in the country in my age-group. It has given me motivation. It’s had a positive impact on me. You can expect better times and hopefully I can set national records as well,” said Louw.

He also ran in the 200m flat but his 24.78 wasn’t enough for a place on the podium. The youngster isn’t too worried about his performance and will focus on improving as an athlete.

“I have to improve my form and get more stamina. It was a great honour to represent CGA. We are the best province.”

Also Read: Double delight for Reiger Park’s Louw at provincials