ASA Athletix Invitations Series kick-starts in Ruimsig
In a highly anticipated battle of the day, Commonwealth champion Akani Simbine showcased his class by storming to victory in the men's 100m sprint.
Athletes shone across the board on Tuesday, 23 March with the first ASA Athletix Invitational Meet powered by AVANTI producing some spectacular performances at Ruimsig Athletics Stadium.
It was also a welcome return to elite competition four months before the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan for many athletes whose preparations had been frustrated by the continuous lockdown.
In a highly anticipated battle of the day, Commonwealth champion Akani Simbine showcased his class by storming to victory in the men’s 100m sprint.
Luxolo Adams finished in second place and displayed his potential in the short sprint, while the second 100m heat saw 18-year-old Olebogeng Tlhapi take the win in 10,33 (+2,9m/s).
In the 400m event, African Games relay gold medallist Ditiro Nzamani of Botswana won the race in 45,27, while South African sprinter Lythe Pillay grabbed second spot.
As expected, former world champion Amantle Montsho of Botswana dominated the women’s 400m race, with compatriot Oratile Nowe taking the runner-up spot.
Long-jumper Cheswill Johnson landed an impressive jump to win a hard-fought event, with three men sailing beyond eight metres.
Former world junior champion Kyle Blignaut won the men’s shot put with a big 20,85m heave, with Jason van Rooyen also flaunting his form in second place.
Elsewhere, in the women’s javelin throw, African record holder Sunette Viljoen produced a 58m effort to edge out former European junior champion Nikol Tabackova of the Czech Republic.
Boipelo Tshemese was quickest in the women’s 100m sprint, Antonio Alkana won the men’s 110m hurdles, Tshepo Tshite won the men’s 800m race, and 19-year-old Prudence Sekgodiso took the women’s 800m race.
The second leg of the ASA Athletix Invitational Meet will be on Tuesday, 30 March at Ruimsig Athletics Stadium in Roodepoort.
