The track was ablaze with a blend of established icons and surging youth talent as the 14th edition of the USN Simbine Classic Shootout exhibition delivered a masterclass in South African women’s athletics in an early-season statement at Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria on Friday, 6 February.
In the highly anticipated 150m sprint, all eyes were on the rising stars of South African sprinting. Rumé Burger proved exactly why she is considered one of the most exciting prospects in the country when the Oranje Meisies athlete stormed to victory in a blistering 16.95 seconds, as the only athlete in the field to dip under the 17-second mark.
Burger’s performance was a clinic in explosive power, as she held off a determined challenge from Tuks’ Jada van Staden, who clinched second place in 17.01. Local favourite Megan Nieman rounded out the podium, clocking 17.26 to secure third in a race that showcased the depth of the nation’s junior sprinting ranks.
The middle-distance action was equally enthralling in the women’s 1,000m, where versatility and endurance were put to the ultimate test. Karabo More, representing Masai, demonstrated her elite range by outclassing a high-quality field to take the win in 2:39.72.
More, known for her prowess on the road and over longer distances, used her tactical superiority to stay ahead of Tuks’ Aviwe Hoboloshe. Hoboloshe, who has been on an impressive rise since her breakthrough 2025 season, fought hard to finish second in 2:41.89.
Adding to the excitement was the performance of 18-year-old Carise van Rooyen. The U20 800m champion showed she is more than capable of mixing it with the seniors, claiming a brilliant third-place finish in 2:43.53, ahead of steeplechase specialist Carina Swiegers.
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Now in its 14th edition, the Shootout has become a prestigious fixture on the national calendar. Founded by South African sprint legend Akani Simbine, the event serves as a high-octane launchpad for the season, offering elite athletes a competitive platform to test their conditioning.
What makes this event particularly special is its unique exhibition format, featuring non-standard distances like the 150m and 1,000m, allowing rising junior stars to share the limelight with senior national champions in an inspiring environment for the future of the sport.
Main Photo Caption: Oranje Meisies athlete Rumé Burger stormed to victory in the 150m sprint as the only athlete in the field to dip under the 17-second mark at the USN Simbine Classic Shootout exhibition, at Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria on Friday, 6 February. Photo: Cecilia van Bers
Photo 2 Caption: Karabo More, representing Masai, demonstrated her elite range by outclassing a high-quality field to take the 1,000m win in 2:39.72. Photo: Cecilia van Bers
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