VANDERBIJLPARK – Laerskool Emfulenipark Grade Seven pupil, Lwandle Dlamini, has flown her school’s flag high when she came back home a gold winner in the South African Championships 100m and 200m U13s.

This comes after Dlamini ran a hit semi-final and a final for two days in different categories during the games in Cape Town at Greenpoint Stadium.

Dlamini, who ran the fastest time, is no stranger to climbing the podium as number one, as she recently won her interprimary, district, and provincial games before nationals.

Speaking to Ster South, the 13-year-old star explained her journey as an athlete.

“I started running when I was around three years old. This is always something I wanted and enjoyed doing. My dad helped me choose the sport and supports me throughout,” she said.

Dlamini is not only running for her primary school, but trains with Transvalia and the University of Johannesburg.

Explaining her jubilation following her milestone, she said words can’t explain her happiness.

“It means a lot to me, and I’m excited. This is a big achievement because I’m the only one at home who is into sports. My two sisters are more into books than sports. Seeing my parents so proud of me for excelling in my journey makes me happy,” she said.

Head of Athletics at the school, Karin-Mari Dötze, said they remain proud of Dlamini’s achievement.

“We’ve seen her run a few races, and we know she has a bright future ahead of her. Even on the day when she was running her heats in the semifinals, the whole school went to the hall, and we put up a big screen. The entire school was cheering for her,” she said.

“We are quite a small school, and to have learners with such talent as Lwandle is a big honour. We want to show other schools out there that a small school has big talent if you do it correctly,” she said.