Jumping to greater heights
Germiston Callies athlete, Pedro Aaron (17) scooped two gold medals, recently.
Lambton’s Pedro Aaron (17) is making waves in the athletics field.
“Aaron attained first place in long jump at the South African Schools Championships and at the Youth and Junior Championships,” said Aaron’s coach, Stephané Kotzé.
“The schools championships were held in March, in Bloemfontein, with the other championships held in April, at the Germiston Stadium.
“These are impressive results, it is not everyone who can win two South African gold medals in one year.”
Aaron is a student at Hoërskool Goudrif and has also made his school proud in athletics.
“He has never lost an event at inter-high competitions since Grade Eight,” said Kotzé.
“Among other events in which he takes part during inter-high, he competes in the 100m sprint, 200m sprint, 400m hurdles, 110 hurdles, 400m sprint and the long jump.
“His focus is long jump at bigger competitions.
“I believe to perform at top level you have to focus on one event; if you want to be the best you should concentrate on what you are good at and that is long jump for Aaron.”
The Germiston Callies athlete said he loves athletics.
“I started doing athletics when I was in Grade Three at Laerskool Delville and I have been training hard ever since,” said Aaron.
“I put a lot of effort into my training and I think that is one of the elements that set me apart from others.
“I want to pursue athletics as a career and be the best I can be.”
Kotzé added that their current goal and motivation is for Aaron to qualify for the World Junior Championships in two years time.
“The required distance is 7.55m for the World Junior Championships and we are working towards achieving that,” he said.
The youngster believes perseverance is the key to success.
“I believe that in order to succeed you have to follow your dreams and keep pushing hard, regardless of the circumstances and challenges,” he said.
“I thank my coach for all his hard work and for training me to be the best.”
You might also be interested in:
Mayor makes it to the finish line
