Junior track and field stars heat up Ruimsig Stadium
"The vibe was fantastic with junior track and field stars going above and beyond to do their best."
On Saturday, November 13 the PUMA School of Speed #3 provided the anticipated fireworks and excitement at the Ruimsig Stadium with junior track and field stars pulling out all the stops to stand out from the crowd.
Headed by the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, the PUMA School of Speed Series was launched in 2016 with the goal of identifying exceptional young South African athletes.
No stranger to the PUMA School of Speed, Prestige College’s Precious Molepo was a force to be reckoned with in the Girls U/17 400m. It was no surprise when she claimed victory in an impressive time of 54.50 seconds.
“The PUMA School of Speed really inspires younger athletes and makes us want to run, we love the medals and everything about the series.
“The competition was easy, I just relaxed. I’m not happy with my time, I really wanted 53 seconds, but claiming gold makes me happy,” said Precious.
Representing Tuks Sport Athletics Club, Odette van Wyk was dominant in the Girls U/19 200m, crossing the finish line in 25.91 seconds.
According to Van Wyk, the PUMA School of Speed is one of the best meetings in South Africa.
“It’s always well-organised and looks really neat. I am proud to compete at this event, it has the best competition, with the best athletes competing.
“It’s nice to compete here because you know that you are competing against the best athletes,” said Odette.
Vorentoe High School’s Vuyo Moss took no prisoners in the Boys U/19 200m crossing the finish line first in a deserving time of 21.01 seconds.
Moss also took the top spot on the podium in the Boys U/19 100m with a lightning-fast time of 10.54 seconds.
“The PUMA School of Speed is a great opportunity to run quick times,” said Boys U/19 400m winner Dário Matau (Fourways, Sandton) who claimed victory in 47.98 seconds.
Prestige College’s Banele Shabangu was in top form in the Girls U/19 100m, claiming gold in 12.03 seconds.
“The vibe was fantastic with junior track and field stars going above and beyond to do their best. A big congratulations and thank you to each and every athlete that competed, your hard work has paid off, and it was an absolute pleasure watching you reap the rewards today,” said PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger.
