South African sprint queen, Banele Shabangu, lived up to expectations as she won the women’s 200m race at the ASA Track and Field National Championships on Saturday, 23 April 2022.
Click here to read ASA T&F National Championships Day 1 Results
Shabangu, who held the 100m and 200m SA junior championship titles, has made an incredible start to the senior level in the domestic ranks.
The 19-year-old burst to victory in a time of 23.92 ahead of second-placed Tamzin Thomas (24.02) and Miranda Coetzee (24.08) who completed the top three.
“I feel so amazing, I’m overwhelmed. I actually didn’t think I was going to make it. I just told myself whatever happens, I’m coming back with a medal, no matter which medal. But I guess the gold medal was calling my name, I’m so happy,” said Shabangu after her win.
Meanwhile, Wenda Nel bid farewell to the SA Athletics Championships with the defending 400m hurdles champion handing over the baton to young challenger, Zeney van der Walt.
The 33-year-old was gunning for a 10th national title before hanging up her spikes at the end of this season, but van der Walt powered to the front as the duo battled down the home straight, taking the gold in 55.75, while Nel was second in 56.08.
“It’s such an honour to run, especially with Wenda. She’s such a great person and great athlete and it’s always nice to run and fight and this is what we did today (Saturday),” van der Walt said of the two-time Olympian.
In the 400m race category, Deline Mpiti claimed top honours winning the final ahead of Precious Molepo and Marlie Viljoen.
Prudence Sekgodiso completed a middle distance double by adding the 800m crown to her 1500m title from Friday, winning the race in 2:03.31.
Elsewhere, Glenrose Xaba produced a huge personal best in the 10 000m to become a five-time national champion. She crossed the line almost 15 seconds clear of silver medallist Cian Oldknow in 32:31.49.
“Thank you to my coach and training partner (Caster Semenya). She helped me a lot. Usually I am running alone but she decided to help me today so I just thank her,” said Xaba.
“It means a lot to me. I was always winning the 10 000 but always in a bit of a slow time but now I ran a personal best which shows that I’m working very hard and my coach is working very well.”
Click here to read ASA T&F National Championships Day 2 Results
Results: Day 3 ASA Track and Field National Championships on Saturday, 23 April 2022:
Senior Women 200m
1.Banele Shabangu 23.92
2.Tamzin Thomas 24.02
3.Miranda Coetzee 24.08
4.Shirley Nekhubui 24.35
5.Mphontsheng Sekese 24.89
Senior Women 400m
1.Deline Mpiti 0:52.82
2.Precious Molepo 0:53.24
3.Marlie Viljoen 0:54.32
4.Boitumelo Seleka 0:55.25
5.Lene van Heerden 0:55.58
Senior Women 400m Hurdles
1.Zeney van der Walt 0:55.75
2.Wenda Nel 0:56.08
3.Taylon Bieldt 0:56.78
4.Rogail Joseph 0:57.85
5.Gezelle Magerman 0:57.99
Senior Women 800m
1.Prudence Sekgodiso 2:03.31
2.Fina Dube 2:10.20
3.Paballo Radebe 2:11.59
4.Mathapelo Mavuso 2:11.86
5.Mieke Viljoen 2:11.97
Senior Women 10 000m
1.Glenrose Xaba 32:31.49
2.Cian Oldknow 33:16.58
3.Cecisile Sosibo 34:19.85
4.Anel Terblanche 35:43.85
5.Leanda du Bruyn 36:10.34
Photo 1 Caption: South African sprint queen, Banele Shabangu, lived up to expectations as she won the women’s 200m race at the ASA Track and Field National Championships on Saturday, 24 April 2022. Photo: Banele Shabangu (Instagram)
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