The locals came out in their droves to witness another night of Varsity Athletics record-breaking action at the Kenneth McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom, on Friday, 15 March 2019.
North-West University long jumper Eljone Kruger was named Victrix Ludorum for the second time in 2019, after breaking her Varsity record with a winning leap of 6.49m, improving her previous mark by four centimetres.
“I’m just so glad to be able to do it in front of the home crowd…it really was an amazing event.” – North-West University long jumper Eljone Kruger
“I’m so glad to be healthy, jumping and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Tamzin Thomas won the 100m with a superb 11.49 over Nabeela Parker and Sokwakan Mogwasi, while Niene Muller (Tuks) picked up back-to-back 800m gold medals in Pitch, after winning the first meet in Coetzenburg.
Tsholofelo Zwane won gold in the women’s 5000m race in a time of 18:36.12, beating UCT athletes Sophie Cope (2nd) and Nicola Wills (3rd).
Tuks athlete Aynsley van Graan finally got her hands on the Varsity Athletics record in the women’s 1500m, posting a winning time of four minutes, 23.81 seconds (4:23.81).
Van Graan was denied the record a fortnight ago due to issues with the timing system in Stellenbosch, but she made sure the mark belonged behind her name this time.
“I’m very happy about the record, last time didn’t count but I am happy to be out there again.” Tuks’ Aynsley van Graan on winning the 1500m record
She took just over three seconds off the previous record Kovsies’ Danel set in 2014. “We started out slower than I had hoped so I had to work harder in the second lap.”
The North-West University won their second Varsity Athletics title, topping the table with 31,277 points to seal victory in their own backyard after winning the Stellenbosch leg, and bringing to an end Tuks’ (31,087) three-year reign. UJ collected team bronze for third with 30,870 points.
Story: Ockert de Villiers for Varsity Sports
Photo 1 caption: North-West University long jumper Eljone Kruger won the meet’s Victrix Ludorum after improving her own record by four centimetres in a winning leap of 6.49m. Photo: Varsity Sports
Photo 2 caption: Tsholofelo Zwane won gold for a time 18:36.12 in the 5000m, beating UCT athletes Sophie Cope and Nicola Wills. Photo: Varsity Sports
Photo 3 caption: Tamzin Thomas won the 100m with a superb 11.49 over Nabeela Parker and Sokwakan Mogwasi. Photo: Varsity Sports
Photo 4 caption: The North-West University brought an end Tuks’ three-year reign to win their second Varsity Athletics title in their own backyard, after winning the Stellenbosch leg. Photo: Varsity Sports
With editing by gsport
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