Double gold for local youngster

Sub-Youth track and field athletes conclude the year’s events.

December 12, 2015

Puleng Sekabate 2 minutes read

Christiaan Wessels (13) shows off his javelin throw talent.

Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) held their Inter-Provincial Sub-Youth Track and Field Championships at the Germiston Stadium, recently.

Athletes from six provinces gathered at the stadium to showcase their talents at CGA’s last track and field event for the year.

“We had athletes from as far afield as Limpopo, Northwest and KwaZulu-Natal, just to mention a few,” said CGA’s Mbalenhle Ngema.

Among the athletes present was Solheim’s Christelle Grobler (12), representing Central Gauteng in shot put and discus.

She won both events and was crowned the inter-provincial champion for both.

“Christelle’s shot put distance of 13.72m broke last year’s 13.19m,” said her father and coach, Pieter Grobler.

“What made the championships special for Christelle is that she broke the standing record three times during the meeting, before finally reaching the distance of 13.72m on her last attempt.

“She also tried to beat the 41.67m discus record, but managed to reach only 40.03m.

“Although she didn’t set a new record, I know she is capable, as she managed to get distances of 42m during practise sessions.

“It was a windy day which posed difficulties for discus athletes.

“I am extremely proud of her, she worked really hard.”

Pieter also said that his daughter has excelled in previous competitions.

“Among other achievements, Christelle was invited to take part in the NWU-PKKE Secondary School Top 30 Championships, in Potchefstroom, for discus and shot put, in October,” he explained.

“Despite being younger than her competitors, she managed to achieve a silver in shot put and bronze for discus.

“All her achievements are a result of hours spent in training, to perfect her strength, agility and technique.

“A big thank you goes to Jason van Rooyen for assisting with the coaching and helping my daughter with discus.

“Christelle’s technique and distance has improved in leaps since van Rooyen came on board.

“He is an excellent athlete himself, with numerous accolades and records behind his name, such as representing South Africa at the Youth Olympics in 2014.

“This has been a great year for Christelle, we are only hoping to accelerate her performance to greater heights.”