Jooste grabs maiden provincial title at champs
The young athlete clocked 04:00.80 to win the U11 girls’ 1 200m, beating Mila Scholtz on the line after the 32Gi athlete finished the race in 04:01.17 for second place. Hermia Norman rounded-off the podium in 04:02.95.
Reiger Park middle-distance runner Yasmin Jooste fought off a strong challenge from Mila Scholtz to clinch her maiden gold medal at the CGA Sub-Youth Track and Field Championships at the Germiston Stadium on November 22.
Jooste clocked 04:00.80 to win the U11 girls’ 1 200m, beating Scholtz on the line after the 32Gi athlete clocked 04:01.17 for second place. Hermia Norman rounded off the podium in 04:02.95.
“It was a challenging race but I managed to finish. I enjoyed it,” Jooste said.
The Boxer AC athlete took control from the gun, with a chasing group led by Scholtz and East Athletic Club’s (EAC) Lesedi Dhladhla closely behind.
Scholtz then put foot to pedal as she and Jooste established a gap on the rest of the field after the first lap. Midway through the second lap, Scholtz gained a slight advantage over a fading Jooste, but Jooste found her feet on the finishing straight as she won a thrilling sprint to the finish to grab her first provincial title.
“I’m happy with how I performed. It was tough. I had to dig deep to get this victory. It’s also my first time coming first at the champs. Last year, I finished eighth but was still happy, although I ran with the big ones.”
The Central Gauteng athlete’s hard work at the WJ Clemments Stadium paid off handsomely this season. While she had challengers from all sides, she admitted that her only threat was Scholtz, fifth in the U9 girls’ 600m at last year’s sub-youth nationals, adding that their rivalry turned her into a better competitor this season.
Reflecting on her breakout season, she said this was a result of hard work, commitment and dedication.
“It was a tough season for me because last year I struggled. I ran against big athletes, but this year, I was more determined to succeed. I thank my coach for his support,” said Jooste.
Looking ahead, the 11-year-old hopes for a podium at the ASA sub-youth champs in Potchefstroom on December 5 and 6.
“I’m happy qualifying because it’s challenging to qualify. I hope to finish on the podium.”
Also Read: In Pictures: The ASA sub-youth track and field championships
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