Potchefstroom has a new SA 3000-m record holder in its midst with the well-known Potch Track Club middle-distance athlete, Jerry Motsau, setting a new national record on Thursday, 17 June.
Motsau ran a stunning race during a league meeting in Nembro, Italy, where he finished the seven-and-a-half lap distance in the superb time of 7:40.99. This effort bettered Juan van Deventer’s previous record in Stockholm in 2008 by 0.07 seconds.
The 31-year-old Motsau has had his ups and downs in the past few years, but under the guidance of his coach, Jean Verster, he has blossomed as one of the senior members of the Potch Track Club in the past few months. An understandably elated Motsau now has his sights set on qualifying for the Olympics.
“It feels unreal to get the record. I am so happy, I am over the moon. I didn’t focus on the time but raced to win,” stated Motsau who believes that the constant training and hard work during lockdown contributed to his good form.
The former SA champion in the 1,500 m and 5,000 m is confident that he can still make his Olympic dream a reality. “My goal is to try and get an Olympic qualification. PTC and NWU have played a huge role, together with coach Jean.
He is the father figure and urged us to come to Europe to run. Elroy Gelant has also given great advice and is a mentor to all of us at PTC,” he mentioned. His coach was also extremely pleased that Motsau had bettered the record.
“It has been coming a long time and he has proven that he can compete at the highest level. We are all happy that he got the SA record. He really showed what he can do for the past six months. We hope that Jerry can still qualify for the Olympics and we are hopeful for qualifying times in the 1,500 and 5,000 metres,” he added.
