UJ athlete Ameenat Fagbemi claims double victory in Sasolburg
University of Johannesburg student Ameenat Fagbemi impressed in Sasolburg, winning two events and recording a promising 5.61m in her first long jump competition.
Ameenat Fagbemi, a 200m specialist, successfully expanded her athletic portfolio after delivering a dominant performance in her first-ever long jump competition at the recent Sasolburg event. The Klopper Park resident competed in both the Senior Women’s 100m and long jump events, securing first-place finishes in both.
Fagbemi described the tournament as challenging due to the diverse field of competitors who typically do not meet on the track. Entering the competition with the mindset of taking on the best and coming out on top, she delivered results that met and exceeded her expectations.
In her inaugural long jump event, Fagbemi reached a distance of 5.61m, a promising step towards her ultimate goal of reaching 6m. In the 100m event, she battled adverse wind conditions to secure another top finish.
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Her recent long jump success builds on an impressive track record. In 2024 at Sasolburg, Fagbemi ran a personal best of 11.92 seconds in the 100m sprint.
She also previously secured second place in the 100m and third place in the 200m at the North-West University Top 30, along with a third-place finish in the 100m race at the Curro Podium in Pretoria. Last season, she claimed top honours in both the 100m and 200m events.
Reflecting on her transition to field events, Fag
bemi said that she had always wanted to try the long jump, though early attempts with her coach were tricky when she initially landed on both feet.
“I now train weekly, focusing on getting my footing right and working through six jumps per session,” said Fagbemi.
While the wind hindered her sprint times, she noted that her long jump performance far exceeded her expectations.
The University of Johannesburg student is balancing her training schedule with academic commitments ahead of her upcoming exams. Looking ahead, Fagbemi is preparing for the Simbine Sports Festival competition, where she aims to carry her momentum forward and fly the UJ colours high against top competitors from across the country.
