Speed was the name of the game at the Puk McArthur Athletics Stadium last Saturday, 20 January as athletes between the ages of 14 and 19 blazed around the track in search of Puma contracts.
Blaze is an appropriate word as the ambient temperature neared 40 degrees during the first of five Puma School of Speed Series’ events in 2018 – not that it deterred the athletes who were fired up to join this illustrious group of speed merchants.
The local 1 500-metre hero, Robbie de Villiers from Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom continued his form from last year as the reigning SA Schools Steeplechase champion and enhanced his reputation in the Puma Squad with a run of 3:57.09. For his effort, De Villiers also received a pair of Puma spikes and a Spur voucher.
Another star of the show was Megan Starbuck from Hoërskool Helpmekaar who ran a 14/76 in the u.16 girls’ 90-metre hurdles event. Amoné Nel in the u.15 girls’ category achieved a remarkable 13.71 in the 90-metre hurdles event.
Podium winners of each event final won a School of Speed T-shirt, a Puma peak cap and a category medal. Finishers of all the finals also received medals during the event.

See the photos of the event here: Photos: Wouter Pienaar

According to the Puma brand ambassador and ACNW middle distance star, Jerry Motsau, the event was a roaring success and he was excited to see all the young athletes showcasing their talents.
‘It’s great to have a platform for these youngsters to show what they are capable of. It’s exciting to see the juniors showcasing their talent and this provides a chance to groom them into future stars,’ he said.
The 2018 series will continue on to Ruimsig Athletics Stadium, Johannesburg on Monday, 29 January; Kings Park Stadium, Durban on Saturday, 10 February; Dal Josafat, Paarl on Monday, 26 February and Bestmed Tuks Stadium, Pretoria on Saturday, 3 March, all of which will be attended by the School of Speed vice-principal and Puma ambassador, Thando Roto.
Full results of the event can be found at www.schoolofspeed.com.