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South African athletics season ahead of Tokyo Olympics

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JOHANNESBURG – Plenty of action is on the cards for the 2020 athletics season, with the latest Athletics SA fixtures list reflecting a full calendar of events across a variety of disciplines both at home and abroad.

On the domestic circuit, multiple opportunities will be provided for athletes to qualify for major international championships. The 2020 season opens on Saturday, with the ASA Cross Country trials, to be held in Potchefstroom.

The ASA National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships will take place in Pietermaritzburg on March 20 and 21, with the Twizza ASA Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 T&F Championships hosted by Boland Athletics at Dal Josaphat Stadium in Paarl from March 26 to 28.

The 3Sixty Life & Sizwe Medical Fund ASA Senior T&F and Combined Events Championships will be hosted by Athletics Gauteng North at Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane from April 23 to 25.

In addition, the local track and field season will include three ASA Athletix Grand Prix meetings, to be held in Cape Town on April 9, in Tshwane on April 14 and Potchefstroom on April 18.

Ruswahl Samaai
Photo: Hassan Ammar/AP Photo

On the road, the ASA 10km Championships will be held in Durban on July 12 (incorporated into the FNB CitySurfRun), the ASA Half-Marathon Championships will be held in Port Elizabeth on July 25 (incorporated in the Nelson Mandela Bay Half-Marathon), and the ASA Marathon Championships will be held in Cape Town on October 18 (incorporated into the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon).

The domestic campaign will also feature the ASA National Cross Country Championships, taking place at Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, on September 5.

Wayde van Niekerk
Photo: AP Photo/Tim Ireland

Elsewhere, on the international circuit, the 2020 season will focus around the Olympic Games, set for Tokyo, where the athletics competition will be held between July 31 and August 9.

The international season also includes the CAA Africa Cross Country Championships scheduled for  Lomé on a new date to be determined, the World Athletics Indoor Championships to be held in Nanjing between March 13 and 15, the World Athletics Half-Marathon Championships in Gdynia on March 29 and the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Minsk on May 2 and 3.

There will also be CAA African Senior Championships in Algiers between from June 24 to 28, the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi from July 7 to 12 and the IAU 100km World Championships scheduled for Winschoten on September 12. 

by African News Agency (ANA)

Athlete Stats Athletics Home Interviews Sports

Catching up with Young Athlete: Jessica Jenkinson

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We first published Jessica, our youngest little athlete two years back in 2015 – she was excelling then, and has reached  even greater heights 2 years later. Still a champ. Still hungry to succeed. Still ambitious. Still with big dreams and still humbled and blessed be be alive and thriving, despite her medical condition. Well done Jess – we are watching this space for the future. SA is blessed to have young and up coming the likes of you!

Meet the Young Athletes: Jessica Jenkinson

Jessica Jenkinson Stats

 

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name& Surname Jessica Jenkinson
Nick Name Jess
Date of birth 21/03/2017
Place of birth Springs
Current City Brakpan
Height 1.32
Weight 30kg
Shoe Size 2
Club Sunward Athletic Club
Coach’s Name Dino Thomas
Out of Country events/ meets None
Secondary Sport/ sports Tetrathlon, Laser Run, Swimming, Fencing, Netbal, Hockey
Favorite City Cape Town
Favorite Song Wilde Wilde Weste
Favorite Movie I am Bolt from Husain Bolt
School & Grade Grade 3
Sponsors None
Instagram names Face Book Page: Jessica Jenkinson (@JessicaJenkinsonBorntorun)
Parents Names, siblings Mark and Mariliza Jenkinson – Brothers, Juandre and Alrich Kotze

Athlete Update
Name & Surname Jessica Jenkinson
Since we last spoke, what major events have you competed in?

 

 Gauteng East Championships 2016 (School Athletics)

Central Gauteng Championships 2016 (Club Athletics)

Gauteng East Championships 2017 (School Athletics)

Gauteng Championships 2017 (School Athletics)

Gauteng Laser Run Championships 2017

Gauteng Tetrathlon Championships 2017

South African Laser Run Championships 2017

South African Tetrahlon Championships 2017
Name some of your highlights in the above?

 

 I won the Gauteng East Championships, Gauteng Laser Run Championships and the Gauteng Tetrathlon Championships. I received 3rd place in the South African Tetrathlon Championships competing in the Under 11 age group. Besides competing in the above championships which was life changing, I also made new friends that I will hold dear forever.

Do you want to comment of your progress so far? I am extremely happy and blessed for how far I have come and have gained invaluable experience form the larger events I have participated in.
What are big changes in your sport life that has happened since we spoke? Besides my sprinting I took up some new challenges during the year such as fencing and Laser shooting which forms part of the Tetrathlon and Laser Run portfolio.
What are your current challenges? Because I am so young my body is going through extreme growth spurts which mean I need to change my training schedule frequently to adapt to such changes.  As part of my existing heart condition I have an elongated, high lying aortic arch. This causes compression of my trachea and esophagus which at times make it difficult for me to breathe during longer distance running and training.

What are you plans for the new season / near future? I am currently on a rest break and will start my winter training program on the 1st of June 2017 once I get the clear from my Cardiologist. I will also be competing in the Laser Run World Championships in October this year. I hope to compete in the SA Athletic Club Championships in November 2017. I will be old enough to compete in the South African School Athletic Championships next year and my goal is to be one of the athletes selected to represent the Gauteng team. In short to do it all over again.
What are you most grateful for at the moment? I am grateful that I am healthy through God’s grace and able to be the best sports girl that I can possibly be.  I cherish every minute that I am able to compete as there will come a day that I won’t compete anymore.  Whether that day is tomorrow or 20 years from now, it will come and I want to make the most of every day I get to step on the track. I’m grateful for my parents who support I will always have and all the sacrifices they make in order for me to live my dream.
Anything Else you want to mention? Thank you to my athletic coach Dino Thomas, my fencing coach, Kyle De Lange, each and every teacher at my school, my family and friends for your support and faith in me. I feel humble and blessed to have you all in my life.

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Athletics Home Sports

Simbine out to conquer the world

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With an impressive start to his 2017 season on the domestic front already under his belt, Akani Simbine now turns his focus to the international circuit and his onslaught on a medal at the World Championships in London in August.

After running five sub 10 second races in South Africa and setting the second best time in the world of 9.92 seconds, Simbine really threw down the gauntlet to his rivals when he decimated an incredibly strong field at the first Diamond League race in Doha on 5 May. Despite a slower start, Simbine made short work of former world record holder, Asafa Powell, former World and Olympic champion, Justin Gatlin, and Canada’s Andre De Grasse – who won the bronze medal at the recent Olympics in both the 100m and 200m. These are huge scalps and should be ringing ominous warning bells for his competitors.

“I’m really excited, as I have had a great start to the season. There are obviously a few things that I need to work on, but it seems my race plan is coming together nicely,” says Simbine. “My team and I have worked hard for this and I cannot wait to head off to Europe.”

Simbine will make an appearance in Berlin before traveling to Gemona on 21 May for a solid block of training, before heading West on 1 June to compete in the Boston Street Race on 4 June. 

Before his departure it was announced that he will now also be associated with the Mercedes-Benz Cars brand in South Africa.

“Mercedes-Benz is personified by excellence, style, speed and inspiration. This is why we are ecstatic that Akani Simbine, who recently scorched the track in Tshwane when he ran the fastest 100m ever in South Africa, will join the family as a Friend of the Brand,” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

His next stop is Kingston, Jamaica, where he will line up in the farewell race of Usain Bolt on 10 June. “For me that is a big race. Obviously the main focus is London and the World Championships, but this will be a race I wouldn’t want to miss. It will take place at Jamaica National stadium. Final starting line has yet to be announced but it is rumoured the likes of Asafa Powell and Johan Blake will be contenders for this race. It is a strong field so I will need to be at my best.”

Simbine will spend a few days in Jamaica training with Bolt, as he did in 2016, before their race on 10 June.

Following this, Simbine will head back to his base in Gemona, Italy, before lining up in Budapest on 4 July at the same meeting that last year saw him defeat Powell for the first time and set the South African Record of 9.89sec, the István Gyulai Memorial.

“That race has special memories for me. The SA record was big, but beating Powell for the first time was the real breakthrough. I always knew I could do it, but now the rest of the sprinters know it too. Maybe I can break the record there again, I know I can go as low 9.8.” 

Simbine has already clocked six sub 10 second 100m sprints in 2017, bringing his total tally to 11 sub 10 second races.

“Not only does his inspiring personality, discipline and incredible sportsmanship fit with the Mercedes-Benz ethos, he is also a natural fit with our AMG performance models when he burns up the track as he did in Doha recently, beating a highly-decorated field to start his season with a victory.” 

“Akani is definitely on a winning streak and yet he competes with so much humility and appreciation for his supporters. We are proud of our association with him and as he has proved that dynamite comes in small packages, we are going to support him in Europe while he trains at Gemona with a smart* Brabus, truly a performance model as well, to nip around. We wish him the best for this solid block of training and all the upcoming competitions,” concludes Govender. 

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Athletics Home Sports

SA Senior Athletics Championships 2017

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SA Senior Athletics Championships (Potchefstroom) 21st and 22st April 2017

Athletes to look out for

Olympic finalist Akani Simbine in the men’s 100m (9.92) and 200m (19.95).

World record holder Wayde van Niekerk, World Championships 200m bronze medallist Anaso Jobodwana and Gift Leotlela in the mens 100m and 200m.

Former national 100m record holder Henricho Bruintjies and Thando Roto in men’s 100m.

Antonio Alkana will compete in the men’s 100m event and the 110m hurdles.

Alyssa Conley will be defend her national 100m and 200m titles.

Carina Horn and Tebogo Mamatu in the women’s 100m event.

In the men’s 400m hurdles, national record holder LJ van Zyl (also running the 400m flat)  joins Commonwealth Games champion Cornel Fredericks, fellow Olympians Le Roux Hamman and Lindsay Hanekom in a strong team.

World Student Games champion Justine Palframan in the 400m.

World Championships finalist Wenda Nelwill be in action in the 400m hurdles and the flat 200m dash.

Caster Semenya will compete in the 800m and 400m events.

Olympic finalists Elroy Gelant and Stephen Mokoka will meet in the 5 000m and 10 000m.

Olympic silver medallists and two-time World Championships bronze medallist Sunette Viljoen in the javelin.

Olympic silver medallists Luvo Manyonga (8.62m national record) in the men’s long jump will meet with African champion Ruswahl Samaai, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Zarck Visser and Dylon Cotter.

Women’s long jump, Olympic athlete Lynique Prinsloo is up against Karin Mey ( 2009 World Championships bronze)

Decathlon – Fredriech Pretorius and SA record holder Willem Coertzen.

Lebogang Shange and Wayne Snyman in the men’s 20km walk event.

Provisional Program for the SA Senior and Combined Athletics Championships.

 

Athletics Home Interviews Sports

Fresh & Hungry: Breyton Poole

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Breyton Poole is a top athletics High Jump achiever, on top of his game,  and one to keep a keen eye on for the future! He is hard working with a deep sense of community and a heart to give back to those coming after him. He is rooted in his faith in Christ and this gives him strength for the future. SA’s future is safe when one encounters next generation brilliance the likes of Breyton!

He says “I am a dream chaser always looking for new challenges to overcome, somebody who is patient in preparation. I am a hard worker who is determined to show everybody that hard work beats talent . A characteristics I’d liked to see in myself for the future is to be more giving to people/Athletes who are less fortunate so that they can also achieve their dreams”.

Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Breyton Poole
Nick Name Breytie
Date of birth 23 march 2000
Place of birth Somerset West, Cape Town , Western Cape
Current City Strand
Height 1,72m
Weight 58kg
Shoe Size 9
Club Helderberg harriers
Coach’s Name Bennie Schlechter
Secondary Sport/ sports Played Paul Roos u/16A rugby last year but decided to hang up my boots to focuse on my athletics.
Favorite City Cape Town , The Mother City!!
Favorite Song/ type of music No favourite type I enjoy all genres but mostly J Cole’s music.
Favorite Movie Ring along 2
School & Grade Grade 11 learner at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch
Sponsors None
Instagram

Facebook

 instagram – @breyton100

Facebook – Breyton Poole
Parents Names, siblings Dad – Herman , Mom- Charmaine and brother – Hagan

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your High Jump,  tell me a little bit about how you started in High Jump and your journey in the High Jump arena up to now?

My athletics journey started in grade 4 when I competed at our primary school interhouse and I discovered my love for high jump. I am a sport fanatic and I achieved my colours for 4 different sports in Primary School. In my Last year in Primary School I went to the SA Primary School Championship in 2013 and I obtained a 5th place – I wasn’t to happy with my result . I used this result as a motivation. I was always very short and I was afraid that high jump wasn’t my sport as I was not growing as tall as the other high jumpers . As the following year was High School and I knew that If I wanted to come anywhere in athletics I had to make sure I work harder than anybody else. I was determine to prove to everybody that hard work beats talent. From 2013 to 2014 I Improved by 25cm on my previous PB. From 5th in 2013 , I am now currently ranked 1st for the Boys u/17 high jump in 2016 while still 16 years old. My journey up to now has certainly been a crazy one, it’s been a wonderful experience but I can’t wait for what more is in store for me in 2017!

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in High Jump and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

My heightest accolade at this moment is last year competing u/17 against guys one year older than me and still winning the competion at the South African Youth and junior Championship 2016.  My personal accomplishment thus far is that I managed to A-Qualifying Standard for the World Youth Championship in Kenya 2017 , so hopefully big things to come for me soon. My Personal Best at this moment is 2,14m .

Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

I’ve been blessed with no serious injuries and fortunately a healthy body up to now and I can only give all the Honour and Glory to God for bringing me this far.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I love spending quality time braaing with my family and friends and of course I enjoy my rugby & soccer.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

In my opinion education is as important as breathing , it is the building blocks and foundation for how your life will play out one day .

What you do in high school will determine your future , nothing worth having comes easy remember that!

Q: So, you are a brilliant athlete and academic– but name 1 thing that you suck at 🙂

I’ve been told that my singing is not up to standard, so I definitely need to work on my  Karaoke skills!

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“Life is not about how hard you get hit , its about how hard you can get hit and still keep moving forward ” – Rocky Balboa

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

Philippians 4:13 – ” I can do all things through christ that strengthens me”.

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

In my opinion being successful means completing all your long term visons and goals you set for yourself . Goals are not always accomplished on-time due to injuries and setbacks but to me you are a successful person as long as you accomplish what you planned and set out to do despite the setbacks, never give up!

Q: What’s your WHY ? 

I believe that you should do what you love , love what you do and high jump is my passion and what I love! My example I would like to set to other young up-and-coming athletes is that they should not be intimidated by the better athlete and instead focus on how and what they are going to do to become the best at what they do!

Prestige Athletics 2016 Paul Roos High Jump at Coetzenburg

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

My ultimate Goal is to become a professional athlete and hopefully one day established my own foundation for the less fortunate aswell as up-and-coming young athletes so that I can mentor and give them the opportunity aswell to achieve their dreams.

Q: How do you see your own/personal road map to 2020?

In order for me to become ” Olympic Material” in my opinion I would first have to grow spiritually and mentally (To cope with the pressure of course) and to obviously gain some valuable  much needed experience. The long term goal is definitely Tokyo 2020! I still have three more years to improve and progress, anything is possible, so we can only hope for the best!

 

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

 

Athletics Home Interviews Olympics 2016 Rio Sports

Olympic Champions – Akani Simbine

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Akani Simbane, 100m athletics speedster and young star just recently made history at the Rio Olympics when he ran an absolutely phenomenal race alongside athletic legend and giant Usain Bolt. At this his debut Olympics, Akani finished brilliant and strong at a 5th position with 9.94 in a very exciting and momentous race. A race that has not seen a South African in 84 years since Danie Jourbert in 1932!

This young man is on everybody’s tongue, with our nation’s hopes fully upon him for more stellar performances in the future. Exciting times indeed to be part our nation’s sporting history. Akani is quiet, confident, and depends much on his mental strength and faith for his victories. When I asked him at what point a hero becomes a competitor (Usain Bold) he said “I was initially star struck but now I just see him as a fellow athlete. He is humble and a great guy, we speak often.”

About himself he says “I am cool, calm and collected. I would describe myself as an introvert but am open to venturing out of my comfort zone to experience more thrill seeking adventures, like bungee jumping or skydiving”.

All photo Credits below go to Panasonic South Africa

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Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Akani Simbine
Nick Name AK
Date of birth 21 September 1993
Place of birth Johannesburg
Current City Johannesburg & Pretoria
Height 1.76 m
Weight 74 kg
Shoe Size 8
Club Tuks/HPC
Coach’s Name Werner Prinsloo
Out of Country events/ meets (most recent) Istvan Gyula Memorial Meeting in Budapest
Favorite Song/ type of music Hip-Hop
Favorite Movie The Italian Job
Tertiary Inst Name University of Pretoria
Tertiary degree Information Science
Sponsors Adidas; PVM; Panasonic South Africa;
Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

 Twitter: @Akani_Simbine

Instagram: Akani_Simbine

Facebook: @AkaniSimbineOfficial

INTERVIEW:

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Q: BEFORE RIO OLYMICS:

You have realized a life long dream to qualify for the Rio Olympics early in your lifetime. Congrats and well done. What is on your heart and mind right now concerning this qualification?

Thank you, the only thing on my heart is being focused and training exceptional well. I just want to eat good and be in a good mental place as well. Once I have established and perfected these everything else will fall into place.

Q: AFTER RIO OLYMICS:

You did brilliant at Rio Olympics – your thoughts?

Rio was amazing. Being able to live out my goals and dreams was such a huge blessing. I got to be in the Olympic 100m final and that was really something special. Placing 5th in the final was so motivating for me as I start looking towards the future.

Q: What did it feel like on the night that you became a history maker by doing a Sub-10 second race in the 100m sprint?

I was shocked initially and so I had trained hard but it exceeded my goals for the race and I was very happy about that.

Q: Why do you have so much respect for your coach?

My coach Werner Prinsloo and I just connect in that we are very similar in a lot of ways, which means I relate to him more closely. This makes our interaction so special.  I have great respect and admiration for him as he is a huge contributing factor to me making it thus far.

Q: At one point does an athlete’s hero’s become their competitors in mind and in body, and is this transition easy?

I recall a recent experience of meeting, training and competing with Usain. It was an experience that I will definitely be on my top ten highlights for the year. It was very different to the first time I had encountered him on the track in the Commonwealth Relay (2014). I was initially star struck but now I just see him as a fellow athlete. He is humble and a great guy, we speak often.

Q: You have put one of our dorpies / townships called Tembisa on the world map ☺ – how was the reaction / reception of your hometown after all your stellar performances?

Everyone was happy and proud of me and they stay supporting me.

Q: Who are you?

I am cool, calm and collected. I would describe myself as an introvert but am open to venturing out of my comfort zone to experience more thrill seeking adventures, like bungee jumping or skydiving. When I’m not training or at varsity I’m usually stuck behind a screen; playing video games or watching series and movies.

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Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

I owe all my accomplishments thus far to God, He blessed me with  me doing my best and striving for greatness. I am utilizing this gift to motivate others. I would not be where I am without prayer and the Lord’s favour.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish. The time will pass anyway. -Earl Nightingale

Q: Are you going to get an Olympic Tattoo?

Yes

Q: Beside athletics, what else do you have a passion for?

Series, movies and sleep!

Q: What’s your WHY ?  What Legacy do you want to leave for our youth?
Also, looking into the future, what type of influence do you see yourself having on our nation’s and continent’s youth?

I would like to leave a legacy of attaining dreams that they may not even think possible.  I would like to give back especially to impoverished communities, to give youngsters an opportunity to choose sports as an alternative to alleviating poverty.

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Q: Favourite meal and who must cook it?

Anything prepared by my mother

 

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the very best for Rio Olympics 2016! Blessings!

Athletics Champs Report Back Home Sports

Report Back – Rynardt Van Rensburg – Shanghai Diamond League

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Rynardt, a man who knows his grind. When asked about lessons learned – he says “Never doubt yourself”.

IMG-20160408-WA0002

Meet / Championships Report Back
Name & Surname Rynardt Van Rensburg
Name of Meet Shanghai Diamond League
Date of Meet 14 May 2016
City and Country Shanghai China
Names of various Events participated in? Shanghai Diamond League 14 May

Hengelo World Challenge 22 May
Names of medals/ awards received for which events? Shanghai – 7th 1,46.6

Hengelo – 4th 1,47.03
Highlights of the event? Running against 800m World Record holder David Rudisha
Lessons learned from the event? Never doubt yourself.
General observations and vibe of the meet? About 30 000 people, what an amazing vibe.
Biggest challenge leading up to / at the meet? (if any) Traveling , being in a plane totals 17 hours inside a week of running.
What happens next for you in the sports arena? African Athletic Champs 22 – 26 June

Europe meetings 28 June – 15 July

FB_IMG_1441219029271

 

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

Athletics Home Sports

’n Laaste kans vir Kalmer en Van Zyl

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Terug Spele toe? René Kalmer hardloop vier jaar gelede in die marathon op die Olimpiese Spele in Londen verby die Olimpiese ringe wat op die pad geverf is. Sy en Irvette van Zyl hoop om Sondag in die Londen-marathon weer vir die Spele te kwalifiseer.Foto: AP

Terug Spele toe? René Kalmer hardloop vier jaar gelede in die marathon op die Olimpiese Spele in Londen verby die Olimpiese ringe wat op die pad geverf is. Sy en Irvette van Zyl hoop om Sondag in die Londen-marathon weer vir die Spele te kwalifiseer.Foto: AP

Dis Sondag reg of weg vir René Kalmer en Ir­vette van Zyl in die Londen-marathon.

Dit is albei se eerste en enigste kans om vir die marathon op die Olimpiese Spele in Augustus in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilië, te kwalifiseer.

Om dinge te vererger: Hulle moet nie net die kwalifiserende maatstaf van 2 uur en 45 minute oortref nie. Hulle sal Sondag in die omgewing van 2:30:00 – of selfs vinniger – moet hardloop om seker te maak van hul plekke in die Spele-marathon.

 Kalmer (35) – wat Suid-Afrika al die afgelope 15 jaar op senior vlak verteenwoordig – en Van Zyl (28) sal hul litte moet roer omdat verskeie atlete reeds gekwalifiseer het.

Net drie vroue per land per item mag in Rio deelneem.

Van Zyl kon nog nie ’n kwalifiserende marathon hardloop nie omdat sy verwagtend was met haar en haar man, die Olimpiese hekkiesatleet LJ van Zyl, se eersteling. Sy het eers in September, ná Louis se geboorte, weer begin oefen.

Op haar beurt het Kalmer met ’n heupbesering gesukkel. Haar laaste marathon was op 12 April verlede jaar in Wene, Oostenryk. Daardie dag het sy ’n tyd van 2:33:21 gehardloop.

In dié stadium is die drie Suid-Afrikaners met die beste tye sedert die kwalifiseringstydperk op 1 Mei verlede jaar begin het Christine Kalmer (2:33:43), Lebo Phalula (2:33:48) en Jenna Challenor (2:37:12).

Christine Kalmer is René se jonger suster en oefenmaat.

René Kalmer, Van Zyl en Tannith Maxwell was vier jaar gelede in Londen Suid-Afrika se drie verteenwoordigers in die Spele-marathon.

Irvette van Zyl Foto: DEAAN VIVIER

Irvette van Zyl Foto: DEAAN VIVIER

René Kalmer Foto: GETTY IMAGES

René Kalmer Foto: GETTY IMAGES

Van Zyl het haar beste marathontyd, 2:31:26, drie jaar gelede in Londen gehardloop toe sy tiende was.

Die vorige jaar het sy in haar marathon-debuut in dieselfde marathon met ’n tyd van 2:33:41 vir die Spele gekwalifiseer.

Van Zyl is vanjaar puik op dreef.

Dit sal nie verbaas nie as die Pretorianer die vyfde Suid-Afrikaanse vrou word wat die marathon onder 2:30 hardloop.

Elana Meyer (2:25:12), Colleen de Reuck (2:26:35), Frith van der Merwe (2:27:14) en die einste René Kalmer (2:29:27) is die ander wat dit kon regkry.

Verlede jaar het 138 vroue wêreldwyd dit vermag.

As Van Zyl nie Sondag kwalifiseer nie, is daar ’n kans dat sy later oorsee sal probeer om in die 5 000 of die 10 000 te kwalifiseer.

’n Maksimum temperatuur van 11° C word Sondag vir die Britse hoofstad voorspel.

Onder die vroue is die Ke­niaan Mary Keitany (2:18:37) die groot gunsteling.

Sy het die wedloop al twee keer gewen.

Die Keniaan Wilson Kip­sang, ’n voormalige wêreldrekordhouer, meen hy kan sy Londen-rekord van 2:04:29 verbeter. Nóg ’n Ke­niaan, Eliud Kipchoge, is die verdedigende kampioen.

* Die wedloop word Sondag van 09:30 op SS 9 uitgesaai.

Deur Sarel van der Walt

Source: Network24

Athletics Heptathlon Home Sports

Carla Johnson:Dreaming of the Olympics

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Carla Johnson (18) is passionate about sports and she is appealing for a good Samaritan to sponsor her so that she doesn’t miss any more competitions PHOTO: TIYESE JERANJI

Carla Johnson (18) is passionate about sports and she is appealing for a good Samaritan to sponsor her so that she doesn’t miss any more competitions
PHOTO: TIYESE JERANJI

“Giving up on yourself is not an option; striving for success is the only way to a better and happy life.”

These are the words that have kept teen athlete Carla Johnson (18) from Retreat motivated.

In spite of her challenges and lack of financial means at times, it never crosses her mind to stop what she really loves doing. Johnson is the best in running, long jump and heptathlon and she has medals to show for it.

However, at times she struggles to make ends meet and misses competitions because she doesn’t have money.

Her love for athletics started when she was eight years old, influenced by brothers who also love sports.

She has attained her Western Province colours and has represented the province at different national competitions.

WhirlwindWhen she takes to the track, she runs like a whirlwind. Her success on the track has earned her national colours and the opportunity to represent the country in Botswana, China and the USA.

Johnson says this is her life.

“I really enjoy it. Sport is my passion; I really love doing it and I just can’t imagine myself doing anything else. This is what I want to do all the time. It completes me and gives me so much joy,” she says.

Taking from her role models Sonja van der Merwe and Usain Bolt, she is determined to be the best in whatever she does. Now she is eyeing the 2020 Olympics and says taking part in that will be a dream come true.

“I’m training so hard. I want to be part of the team so that I can show the world want I can do. I want to compete at the highest level of sport. This is what I really love and going to the 2020 Olympics will be a top achievement for me.”

Raised by a single mother, she says sometimes she misses sporting events because her mother simply cannot afford it.

Her wish is to have a sponsor who will help her with the sporting gear that she needs to take part in sports.

They have been knocking on several doors for support, but nothing has come up for her yet.

Never give upHowever, she says that it will not stop her from doing what really completes her.

“My mother struggles a lot, but she tries to make ends meet. It really breaks my heart when I have to miss a competition, but I know she would have tried. I’m appealing to people to sponsor me so that I won’t have to miss any more competitions. At times it becomes difficult to even get money for transport, but my mother has always tried to make sure that I don’t miss any competition,” she says.

Her mother, Berenice, says Carla really loves what she does, though it hasn’t been easy for them and they haven’t given up.

“When she has tournaments coming up I do fundraising and even sell stuff so that she can at least have pocket money. It really pains me a lot to see the great potential that she has and I wouldn’t want her to miss on reaching the stars because I can’t afford it. We struggle to get sponsorships and we hope that one day something will come her way. She is very passionate about this, so I support her all the time.”

By – Tiyese Jeranji @Jeranji

Source: News24

Athletics Home Interviews Javelin Proudly South African Sports

Girl Power: Jo-Ané van Dyk

Published by:

Jo-Ane van Dyk is one of SA’s strong links and rising stars amoung our nation’s youth elite female athletes with her Javelin throws. She has had quite a victorious build up internationally starting with the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games 2014, CAA African Junior Championship 2015, African Senior Champs in Brazzaville in 2015. She is grateful to God to have been blessed with medals at all these meets, proudly in her green and gold. Even among the Seniors last year at the African Games in Brazzaville, which was her first round of being with the senior athletes.

Coached by one of SA’s top Athletics coaches – Coach Terseus Liebenberg at die Pukke, NWU who lends strong leadership and a guiding hand to this young athlete.

She says: “I am an introverted extrovert. I enjoy the company of other people, but I don’t mind being on my own. I am an adrenaline junkie and will always be game for a new adventure. Characteristics for now and the future : PATIENCE , less stressed “.

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Athlete: Bio / Stats
Name & Surname Jo-Ané van Dyk
Date of birth 03 October 1997
Place of birth Worcester
Current City Potchefstroom
Height 1.71 m
Weight 63 kg
Shoe Size 6
Club NWU –Pukke Atletiek
Coach’s Name Terseus Liebenberg
Out of Country events/ meets IAAF World Youth 2013/ African Youth Games 2014/ Nanjing Youth Olympic Games 2014/ CAA African Junior Championship 2015/ African Seniors 2015
Favorite City Cape Town
Favorite Song ADELE- Remedy
Favorite Movie White Chicks
Tertiary Inst Name/ Year North-West University ( 1st year)
Tertiary degree BSc. Dietetics
Instagram name

Facebook name

 Instagram = JOANEVDYK

Facebook = Jo-Ané van Dyk
Community projects involved in Wag-‘n-Bietjie SJGD

Viviente SJGD
Parents Names, siblings Johan(father), Marjo(mother), Sumari (sister), Sybrand(brother)

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Photo Credits:

Wessel Oosthuizen

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are one of SA’s top athletes, passionate and doing so well in your Athletics (Javelin), tell me a little bit about how you started in athletics and your journey in the athletics arena up to now?

I started with javelin when I was in Grade 6. I fell in love with the sport and luckily today I am still in love with it.

Q: Who are you? Describe yourself as a person.

I am an introverted extrovert. I enjoy the company of other people, but I don’t mind being on my own. I am an adrenaline junkie and will always be game for a new adventure. Characteristics for now and the future : PATIENCE , less stressed .

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Athletics and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

Competing at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing 2014.

Q: You competed and did so well and medaled at the African Games in Brazzaville last year –  Congrats! How did you experience that?

It was a great experience! Since it was my first time in a senior team I was a little intimidated, but generally I enjoyed the stories and experiences the older athletes shared. The lesson I learned was that athletics truly take you places!

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Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

It is important for young people to become educated ,because education is the key to everything in this life.

Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

Sometimes one’s faith is shaken. Especially when you compete at a competition where you know you are capable of so much more than you achieved. You ask a lot of questions why certain things happen to you when you work and train so hard. Then you realize that everything happens for a reason and that God is planning something better for you.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I like to read or spend time outdoors J

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

“Practice excellence in everything you do!”

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

Psalm 121 : “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

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Q: What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

My elbow “injury”. I try to forget about it, and just work through the pain. For the love of the game!

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?

A successful person is someone who can fall down 7 times and get up at 8.

Q: What’s your WHY?  Why do you do what you do?

My WHY is probably because I love the sport so much.  Also because it helped me mature through all the sport tours by meeting new people, being in different situations (not always the nicest) etc. I would like to have a good influence on the youth and truly try to lead by example. The example I would like to set is one of never giving up, and always trying your best at everything you do!

Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African and African youth and our nation?

Always give your best, and trust in God to do the rest!

Q: Plans and upcoming major meets before Rio?

Well, I would probably not qualify for Rio ,but my set goal is to qualify for the World Juniors in Poland .

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Photo Credits: Wander Roberto / SASPA

NANJING, CHINA. 25 August 2014. Youth Olympic Games taking place in Nanjing, China. Athletics. South Africa’s Jo-Ane van Dyk.

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.

 

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