Student discus throwers successful at Athletics Gauteng North Championship
“It is very exciting to be competing in the seniors league for the first time and it is such a great privilege for me to compete against the best,” says Geldenhuys.
After throwing a distance of 50.48m at the recent Athletics Gauteng North Championship, Jean Botha says he hopes his victory will support his dream of competing internationally.
Botha expressed gratefulness over his victory, saying that it is not always easy to perform under pressure.
“Being an athlete is like a roller coaster – some days you’re at the top and other days you’re at rock bottom. I feel so challenged and privileged to participate in the senior discus athletics,” said Jean.
Jean’s goals are to qualify and compete at the World University Games in China this year and to make it to the African Championship in Athletics taking place in Ghana in 2024.
The Varsity College second-year student in IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting explained his ability to perform well by saying, “For me, this is a passion so it’s easy to stay engaged, although it’s hard to get to the top with all the good athletes that I get to compete with. Through hard work, determination and bouncing back after disappointment, it is possible to get to the top. Having a support structure such as my family, girlfriend and friends contributes greatly to how I perform as well.”.
In addition to Jean, a first-year in IIE Bachelor of Law, Ruzel Geldenhuys, placed second in the senior discus after throwing a distance of 11.89m.
“It is very exciting to be competing in the seniors league for the first time and it is such a great privilege for me to compete against the best,” said Geldenhuys.
She has been participating in discus since the age of 10 and continued with it through her high school years. It was when she broke the Gauteng record at the age of 12 that she realised her potential to excel and become the best at discus.
“My family plays such an incredibly supportive role in my sporting career as they’re always motivating me to be the best version of myself. My goal is to compete at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) this year and to obtain my USSA colours,” Geldenhuys said.
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