Bekker wins a thrilling race at CGA champs
He led from start to finish, crossing the line at 04:00.37 for the gold.
Kempies middle distance Michael Bekker won the U18 1 500m gold with a thrilling sprint on the finishing straight at the CGA open track and field championships at the UJ Athletic Stadium on March 16.
Bekker crossed the line at 04:00.37 for the gold, adding to the silver he won in the 3 000m a day earlier when he clocked 08:56.37 for second place.
The 16-year-old, coached by Benoni Northerns Athletic Club’s Michael van Aswegen, celebrated his victory a few strides ahead of Helpmekaar’s Marthinus Bouwer, who clocked 04:04.47 for the runner-up spot.
Tshiamo Mpshe of Warriors of the West (WOW) rounded up the podium 01.23 seconds after Bouwer for the bronze.
The race started off to a flyer, with Bouwer taking the lead straight away, while Bekker followed him closely. But after 400m, Bekker took control, maintaining a slight lead over Mpshe, Bouwer, Amogelang Mogoshane, Keegan Coetzee and Tylor Kroef.
The race turned into a more tactical affair going into the second lap but Bekker remained upfront and wore his opponents down, running at the pace he could maintain. But the chasing group took up the challenge and ensured the race reached a climax towards the end.
At the bell, Bekker was slightly ahead. Sensing the bunch was closing in, the Hoërskool Kempton Park learner deployed one last kick to win with a thrilling sprint at the end.
While the race will be remembered for its thrilling pace, Bekker’s determination, tactical prowess and control of the race, showed how hard he and Van Aswegen worked since the beginning of the year.
Reflecting on his victory, he lauded the Bouwer and Mpshe for pushing him.
“It is my first year. I am excited. It is great to have guys that push you. Lots of athletes worked hard to get here but I think I worked a bit harder.”
On his ambitions for the nationals in Cape Town next weekend, where he will compete in 1 500m and 3 000m, Bekker said he’s not going there to make up the numbers.
“My goal is first place in the 1 500m and top three in the 3 000m,” said Bekker.
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