All eyes in the NWU McArthur Stadium were fixed on South Africa’s world record holder and Olympic gold medallist in the 400 metres, Wayde van Niekerk, on Tuesday, 3 November.
Not only was this the first time that the Olympic champion would be competing in Potch since 2017, but it would also be the first time since lockdown that an official athletics event could be hosted.
Athletics Central North West (ACNW) did a sterling job in organising and hosting the open track and field event which saw Van Niekerk as the prime attraction on the track.
Van Niekerk had the small crowd in attendance on their feet as he easily sprinted to victory in the 400-metre event in a time of 45.89 seconds.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
Van Niekerk beat Zakhiti Nene and Pieter Conradie into second and third place respectively.
It was far below his world record time of 43.03, though. Certain factors prevented him from deliver-ing as he had hoped.
“Far from satisfied with tonight’s performance, but a lot closer to where I want to be. It will come together at the perfect time,” stated Van Niekerk on his Twitter page after the race.
The superstar had an issue with a broken starting block when the race started, which halted his momentum. He also had to contend with rustiness after being out of a competitive environment due to lockdown and injuries. Still, it was great to see an Olympic hero in Potch – as the hordes of fans who wanted his autograph or a selfie with him can attest.
Well-known athletes from across North West and other parts of the country also tested their mettle and shrugged off some proverbial ring rust on the track and field.
Theodor Young took a well-deserved win, while the former Potch Boys’ High sprinting ace, Phetogo Sebonego, now running for Kovsies, also showcased his talent with a win in the men’s 60-m race (25) in a time of 6.71.
NWU’s Mojela Koneshe also showed his class in 6.82 in the 60-metre dash, with the Gimmie sprinting sensation, Sandri van Rooyen (u.15) taking the win in 7.96. Mardi Swart of Volkies also impressed with a time of 7.99 in her victory.
Laerskool Moorivier’s Schalk Coetzee is also a young sprinter to look out for; he crossed the line in 8.44 in the 60-metre race for boys u.11.
