Gauteng North’s Deline Mpiti caused an upset in the women’s 400m event to win in a personal best time of 52.78, with SA U20 champion, Amy Naude, finishing second in 53.65.
It was one of a host of top performances by leading sportswomen on the final day of the Sizwe Medical Fund ASA Track and Field Championships in Tshwane.
In the women’s 200m final, Justine Palframan earned gold in 23.64, holding off a challenge from Shirley Nekhubvi who narrowly finished second in 23.77.
Wenda Nel did well to secure her 9th national title in the women’s 400m hurdles event. Nel crossed the line in 55.60 with former world junior champion Zeney van der Walt taking second position in 56.45.
“I didn’t execute the last hurdle as planned, but I did not compete for 20 months and I can feel the rust is starting to come off, so I’m very happy with the win,” Nel said.
In the longer distances, Glenrose Xaba successfully defended her national title in the women’s 10 000m final in 33:35.23.
Prudence Sekgodiso won the women’s two-lap 800m final in 2:08.35, Riette Heyns won the women’s discus throw final with a 55.32m heave, Shannon Verster won the heptathlon with 5 247 points while Zelda Schultz won the women’s 20km Walk in 1:41:50.
Bringing a close to the three-day championships, host province Athletics Gauteng North won the women’s 4x100m relay (45.36) and the women’s 4x400m relay (3:37.05).
The ASA Championships was a successful event from a women’s sport point of view, with established names and new stars sharing the stage and making their mark.
One day one, Caster Semenya grabbed the headlines with victory in the 5000m race ahead of Glenrose Xaba.
Semenya Stars On Opening Day of Athletics SA National Champs
On day two, Reabetswe Moloi stormed to victory in the women’s 100m final to claim the fastest female in South Africa title.
Para athletes also enjoyed significant success at the champs ahead of the SASAPD National Championships next week with Simone Kruger earning a world record.
“What a beautiful three days of sheer great performances to be proud of,” said Aleck Skhosana, the President of Athletics South Africa. “The message from this championship is that many athletes are clearly focussed and are on the right track.
“SA’s Track and Field stars are resilient. This is evident in the impressive results that were obtained over the past three days. Not only did the pandemic result in a moratorium on competition for a good period of time, but athletes also had to find alternative venues to train at, with stadiums being closed because of the pandemic.
“Irrespective of all the trials that had to be faced, our athletes prevailed making the victories and results even sweeter. A big congratulation to each and every athlete that has competed! It was an absolute privilege watching you all in action and we are extremely proud to have been part of such a prestigious event.”
Photo 1 Caption: Gauteng North’s Deline Mpiti caused an upset in the women’s 400m event to win in a personal best time of 52.78, at the Sizwe Medical Fund ASA Senior Track and Field Championships in Tshwane. Photo: Reg Caldecott / ASA
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