POLOKWANE – Promising young sprinter of Northern Academy Secondary School, Sifiso Tladi, eyes the gold medal at the South African school athletics meeting set for Germiston, Gauteng from April 2-6.

Sfiso, a Gr 12 learner, was selected to be part of the Limpopo schools athletics team that will represent the province at the national event.

The Burgersfort-born athlete won two gold medals in the boys u/19 100m and 200m events in 10.81 and 21.50 respectively at the provincial event held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 4.

Principal Frederick Romijn said they are proud of his achievement.

“He is one of the top athletes in the school. He also plays rugby, he is disciplined and he worked hard at our school gym, preparing for the athletics season since last year. His inclusion in the provincial team should be a motivation to other learners at the school because he has shown that there is an opportunity in sport and if you do well you will achieve your goals.”

Sifiso says he is on the right track of becoming a top athlete in the country and the world.

“This is just the beginning for me. I have been working hard to be part of the provincial team. I started preparing for the event in September last year and the school was supportive. We have a good principal who is supportive of academics and sport. The school has created an environment where we are able to achieve our goals. We have a gym which enables us to work on our strength and conditioning. April is just around the corner, so I have already started with my preparations, I am sharpening my speed and working on my mental strength. I have what it takes to win the gold medal and move to the next phase. I want to see myself participating in the Olympics one day and I am on the right path.”