Dinwiddie High teen claims third place at Gauteng cross-country championships

Andiswa Nkomo came close to missing out on a podium position at the Central Gauteng (CGA) Provincial Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

She came third in the U18 girls’ 6km cross-country event after dominating from the start, leading the first two laps before dropping her guard and being caught.

The Grade 12 learner at Dinwiddie High School ran for the Boxer Athletics Club.

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“Preparations for the competition went well. I thought I would win this race,” said Nkomo.

“I did put a lot of pressure on myself during the race, which might have affected my mindset. When other runners started catching up with me, it affected my confidence, and I almost lost out.

“I will recover and start preparing for the national championships. I feel good about my overall performance. The hills, though, were tough,” said Nkomo.

The CGA cross-country season concluded with this event, leaving Nkomo to focus on the school season and the upcoming SA championships.

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“Earlier this year, I competed at the national level for schools and clubs. I’m proud to be the first student from my school to qualify for nationals, and I received the national colours blazer, shoes and sports kit. Having a coach has been a game-changer for me,” Nkomo said.

“I also competed in the Athletics South Africa Road Running Championships in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, on July 26, finishing seventh in my event. In the CGA Zet Sinqe Series, I came second overall, first in the juniors and earned four medals.

“I thank God for everything, quoting Isaiah 40:31. Thanks to my coach, who rallied me throughout the race,” said Nkomo.