Primary school athletes that qualified to participate as a part of the Gauteng team at the South African Primary School Athletics Championships in Port Elizabeth on 11 and 12 March, did not necessarily represent only their school, but their athletics clubs as well.
I Have Talent is an athletics and sport developing academy that is based in Randburg at Hoërskool Randburg in Robin Acres. These athletes have been training hard for the Gauteng Athletics Championships in Ruimsig and then for the SA Championships in PE. According to a coach, Jannie van der Merwe the athletes have been training from the third term of last year to the first term of this year. “Many provincial and national athletes come from this club,” said Van der Merwe.
Back from left: JP Olivier , Rocher Viljoen, Andriette Viljoen and Jannie van der Merwe
Athletes from left to right: Zonika Lindeque, Lilo van der Westhuisen , Elaine Wijnbeek, Phillip Steyn, Euané Theart, Timeke-Jade Coetsee , Chanté Botha. Photo supplied.
Seven athletes from I Have Talent managed to qualify for the SA Championships. Four of the seven medals were gold. “More medals were won by this club than some of the provinces,” said a proud Van der Merwe.
Timeke-Jade Coetzee from Laerskool Unika won gold in the 80m track event as well as gold in the relay. Euané Theart from Laerskool Fairland won gold in 75m hurdles and gold as part of the relay team. Zonica Lindeque from Laerskool Fontainebleau has won silver in shot put. Chanté Botha from Laerskool Fairland won bronze in the 100m track and silver as part of the relay team.
Unfortunately three athletes missed out on an opportunity to win a medal, but still made their coaches proud as they competed as a part of the Gauteng team for the South African Athletics championships. Lilo van der Westhuizen from Laerskool Jan Celliers came in tenth place in high jump. Phillip Steyn from Laerskool Unika came in sixth place in hurdles. Elaine Wijnbeek from Laerskool Fontainebleau came in fifth place in hurdles.
Details: I Have Talent, 082 599 6152.
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