Donovan Jansen van Vuuren’s blistering start to the season is not due to luck but a result of hours of hardwork improving his technique and sharpening his speed at Laerskool Baanbreker.

The Brakpan AC sprinter appears to be coming of age on the track this season. He coasted to a PB 10.69 victorious season opener in the U20 men’s 100m and 21.18 in the 200m at the first CGA track and field league meeting at Germiston Stadium on January 31.

Jansen van Vuuren, from Freeway Park in Boksburg, continued his rise in the second league meeting on February 7, clocking a quick-fire 10.82 seconds for second place in the 100m and 21.21 to win the 200m race.

The 18-year-old said consistency will be key as he eyes the sprint double at both the provincial and national champs.

“Last week (January 31) was much better than this week. Last week, I ran the fastest U20 time of the meeting in the 100m. I also wanted a sub-21 seconds in the 200m. I didn’t get it, but I was still happy with my performance overall. Today, I tried my best in both events,” he said.

He is motivated by the depth of competition in the provincial U20 division, which boasts sprinters like Tshiamo Motsamai, who clocked 10.77 for victory in the 100m in the second league meeting.

His teammates, Jessica Botha and Michael Appelcryn, serve as a source of inspiration for the sprinter, who boasts a best of 6.81 seconds and 15.82 in the 60m and 150m events.

“I train hard every day. I am motivated the most by seeing other athletes train, run well and give it their all, either at training or competitions. Helping my teammates improve is also a big source of motivation,” said Jansen van Vuuren.

Jansen van Vuuren will chase history at next month’s nationals. He will hunt the U20 sprint double, needing sub-10 in the 100m and sub-21 in the 200m to topple Bayanda Walaza’s 9.94 and 20.03 national records.

“I want the U20 national records in both the 100m and 200m. I also want to go to the Olympics to motivate my teammates to also aim for the stars.”

Also Read: Boksburg’s Du Plessis named CGA Coach of the Year

Also Read: Van Dyk named most promising junior at CGA Awards