GEORGE NEWS -  Eden's young track and field athletes lit up Green Point Stadium in Cape Town from 21 to 22 March, storming to a second-place finish at the SA Junior Championships. 

Representing the Western Cape, the team finished second overall with an impressive 68 medals - 26 gold, 18 silver and 24 bronze.

The standing ovation for George's top girls' athlete, Nianke Fourie (12), at Green Point was a moment that Eden Primary Schools Athletics' chairperson, Ronald Abrahams, will remember for a long time. According to him, the Western Cape's second-place finish among all nine provinces nationally is partly thanks to the outstanding performances of Eden's athletes, Nianke's achievements being the cherry on top.

Several athletes of Laerskool George-Suid produced exceptional results against the country's best. 

Leading the charge was Nianke, who dominated the girls U12 division. She claimed gold in the 75m hurdles, 150m hurdles and long jump, breaking South African records in all three events. Her remarkable performances also earned her the titles of best girls track athlete and best girls field athlete of the day.

Her teammate, Misha Meyer, struck gold in the girls U10 1 200m, while Esrie Kotzee added to the medal tally with gold in shot put and bronze in discus in the girls U12 category.
Annebel van der Merwe finished fourth in shot put, and Mieke de Waal secured fourth place in the girls U13 high jump. Imke Theart also delivered a strong showing in the high jump.
Notably, this marked the second time that four girls from the same grade at the same school competed together at the national championships.

Nianke Fourie (12) claimed first place in the 75m hurdles, 150m hurdles and long jump, while breaking South African records in all three events.
Photo: Supplied

Other local athletes also made their mark. Wanru Haasbroek of Laerskool Outeniqua claimed silver in the U13 javelin with a throw of 46.74m, while Quintero Afrika of Pacaltsdorp Primary finished second in his 1 200m heat, earning a medal and certificate. Usain Jansen of Heidedal Primary finished fourth in the 1 200m for boys U11.

Wanru Haasbroek (13) of Laerskool Outeniqua claimed silver in the U13 javelin.Abrahams was in awe of the opening ceremony and said the local organising committee truly went the extra mile to ensure everything was arranged down to the finest detail.

"The competition was extremely tough overall, with the best young athletes in the country taking part. All the provinces gave their best, but the Western Cape truly stood out, represented by Boland, Western Province, Eden and the Central Karoo."

Misha Meyer (10), full of anticipation before claiming victory in the girls U10 1 200m at Green Point Stadium, Cape Town. Photo: Melissa Meyer

Despite rainy conditions on the first morning of competition, the athletes' enthusiasm remained high, with performances continuing to impress across all events.

Nianke's father and coach, Johnny, told George Herald that the three SA records came as a very big surprise.

"I knew she would be able to improve the long jump record, as she had already done so earlier in the season at Eden and Western Cape level. The 75m hurdles was a 50/50 chance, but with the strong winds on Friday, I didn't pin my hopes on it and simply told Nianke to do her best, as the wind was not in our favour for record times. But then she surprised us all.

"The 150m hurdles was the surprise of the season. 

The SAs was only her fourth 150m hurdles race ever, and when it clashed with her long jump time, she wanted to withdraw, and I agreed. However, her mother said that's just how it is, and since she had committed, she had to push through. In the semi-final, she had already broken the record and was the only U12 athlete to run under 21 seconds. The final was very nail-biting, but she fought well to the end and broke the SA record again. As both her father and coach, I am incredibly proud of her - not just for the records, but for the fighting spirit and mindset she shows at big competitions."

These results highlight the strength of athletics development in the Eden district, with young athletes continuing to rise and excel on the national stage.

Usain Jansen (10) of Heidedal Primary finished fourth in the 1 200m for boys U11.

• George Herald reached out to all primary schools in George to see if any other learners had taken part in the SA Junior Championships. Only the information and photos we received are included, as not all the schools responded - Ed

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