Hoërskool Kempton Park athlete shines with double silver at CGA championships
She was second in the U16 girls' 400m and 1500m steeplechase.
Natalie Strydom delivered a statement performance at the CGA Track and Field Championships, proving that middle-distance runners can pack a serious sprinting punch.
The Hoërskool Kempton Park athlete secured two silver medals at UJ Athletics Stadium on March 14, excelling in both the U16 girls’ 400m and the 1500m steeplechase.
Strydom, already a 1500m silver medallist from the ASA sub-youth championships in Bloemfontein in 2024, showcased her versatility with an impressive run over the one-lap distance.
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She advanced confidently through the heats before producing a standout performance in the final.
The 15-year-old clocked a personal best of 57.62 seconds to claim silver and book her place at the upcoming ASA age-group championships, set for Germiston Stadium from March 26 to 28.
She finished behind Helpmekaar Kollege’s Anzaret Strauss, who took gold in 56.32 seconds, while teammate Loulene de Bruyn secured bronze in 58.36.
“It was very fun and I worked hard to accomplish this. I think the hardest part was probably the last 100m,” said Strydom.
Later in the day, she returned to the track to add another silver medal to her tally, this time in the demanding 1500m steeplechase. Navigating 12 dry barriers and three water jumps, Strydom crossed the line in 05:19.06.
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Helpmekaar Kollege’s Hailey Evans claimed gold in 05:09.45, while Mia van Hyssteen completed the podium in 05:30.22.
“I worked hard for this. It feels good. I’m proud of myself,” Strydom said.
It was a performance that underlined her growing range—and hinted at even bigger things to come on both the track and over the barriers.
