Gauteng sprint star sidelined before Auckland Park Summer Challenge
Rising sprint star Ameenat Fagbemi has been forced to miss the 2025 CGA/UJ Summer Challenge after a hamstring injury, ending her junior season earlier than planned despite a standout year of performances.
Rising sprint star Ameenat Fagbemi has encountered another setback ahead of the 2025 CGA/UJ Summer Challenge in Auckland Park.
The 19-year-old was scheduled to compete in the Girls U20 150m and 60m events, marking what would have been her final appearance as a junior athlete before moving into the senior division next year.
Determined to close off her junior career with a standout performance, Fagbemi trained intensely — but suffered a hamstring injury during training just days before the event.
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Now watching from the sidelines, she acknowledges that this season has brought exceptionally tough competition, but also strong motivation.
“In my category, I’ve had really tough competition that kept me on my toes,” she said.
“Chardone Smidt kept me ten toes down like a ballerina; she brought it every single time.”
Despite the disappointment, Fagbemi has delivered a strong season overall. At the Sasolburg events, she produced a standout performance, winning gold in the U20 women’s 100m and finishing second in her next race.
Reflecting on the meet, she described the experience as both demanding and rewarding.
“It was a nice event, challenging, but I needed to win, especially because it came right in the middle of my exams,” she said.
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Her competitive schedule from 2024 to 2025 has been intense. In May, she represented UJ at Varsity Sports in Pretoria, competing in the 100m, 200m and the 4x400m relay — where UJ emerged as overall champions.
Earlier in the year, Fagbemi also shone at the Akani Simbine Foundation events, collecting first-place finishes and solidifying her reputation as one of Gauteng’s brightest young sprinters.
Although the setback ahead of the Summer Challenge is a blow, Fagbemi’s season remains marked by resilience, grit and continued growth. With a strong record behind her and a senior career ahead, she believes her next chapter is only just beginning.
