POLOKWANE – Ruan Krüger, a gr. 8 learner at Tom Naudé Technical High School, set a school record in the 1 500 m for boys u/14 at the school’s interhouse on Friday.
Ruan won this race in 5 minutes 33 seconds, obliterating the previous record of 5 minutes 39 seconds that was set in 2011. The new record was five seconds faster than the previous one.
He explained that he started his athletics career when he was in gr. 1.
“I am happy that I was able to set a school record. It gave me confidence. I want to become a professional athlete in the future and compete with top runners from around the world.
“I take part in all the athletics categories, except for long jump. I had to quit long jump this year following an injury,” Ruan said.
The young athlete finished in an overall first place at the interhouse athletics meeting on Friday.
He explained that his hero was Jamaican athlete, Usain Bolt.
“Bolt is the fastest runner in the world and I want to be just like him. I train hard every day to make my dream come true. I will not rest until I win an Olympic medal,” he said.
Ruan said he believed sport could help learners in the classroom and he explained that learners should keep a balance between sport and academics to ensure a wide range of options after school.
“Young people should always look for new adventures. This will help them grow and become better people,” was his advice to other learners.
