Ballito’s speed queen betters national record in 4x400m relay
'It's a great feeling to be part of the team that broke the record' - Amy Naudé.
Ballito’s speed queen Amy Naudé is now a national record holder in the mixed 4x400m relay.
The young track star, still just 22, bettered the record alongside fellow Ballito 400m specialist Zakithi Nene last Wednesday.
Running at the Athletics South Africa Grand Prix meeting in Johannesburg, the duo were joined by Gardeo Isaacs (Belville) and Zenéy Geldenhuys (Pretoria), crossing the line in 3:14:97.
Photo: Athletics South Africa.
Together they smashed the previous South African record of 3:18:54 which was set just a week prior and the time was good enough to qualify for the World Relay Championships later this year.
They also beat out teams from Kenya and Botswana to win the race.
“It’s a great feeling to be part of the team that broke a record,” said Amy.
“I was nervous going into it because I hadn’t run that many relays and obviously there is a bit of extra pressure when it’s televised and there’s a big crowd.
“But it went great, I felt good and now I’m just hoping to carry that momentum into the rest of the season.”
Aside from the mixed 4x400m title, Amy also claimed two further wins at the ASA Grand Prix series, which held three meets over three weeks in March, drawing international athletes.
She won the individual senior 400m at the second Grand Prix after winning the U23 individual 400m at the previous meet, which also served as the age group South African Championships for 2024.
Three months into 2024 after a tough two years with injury struggles and Amy is now a national record holder and national champion once again.
She even ran a personal best time of 52:58!
“It has been a frustrating few years, basically since I had a good SA Champs in 2021,” she said.
“I had two stress fractures in my shin which did not go away until orthotics in my shoes seemed to be the answer. I have been running without pain since September for the first time in ages.
“Entering 2024 I just wanted to be able to compete again, so I’m over the moon with how it’s gone so far.”
Amy hopes to be selected for the 4x400m mixed team at the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas in May, after which Europe is the next goal.
Competing on the European circuit is a crucial step in becoming a world class athlete.
Until then, it’s back to the training grindstone for Amy while she completes her degree online.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
