Kwaggas win big in Paarl

GEORGE NEWS - It was a weekend to remember for Hoërskool Outeniqua, who stamped their authority at the Curro Podium South in Paarl, one of the Western Cape's premier youth athletics showcases.

More than 1 400 young athletes gathered at the Dal Josafat Athletics Stadium, but it was the Kwaggas who stole the spotlight with a commanding performance on the track and field.

They finished among the Top 3 Combined Teams, taking second place in the Top 3 Boys category, and celebrating individual victories through Jayden Fourie, who was named both best senior male track and best senior male field athlete. During his long jump event, Fourie achieved an impressive 7.64 metres, just two centimetres shy of his personal record - a remarkable feat that drew plenty of cheers from the crowd.

Hoërskool Outeniqua learner Jayden Fourie receiving his prize. Jayden was named both best senior male track and best senior male field athlete. Photo: Curro Sport Facebook page

Head athletics coach Jacques Wolfaardt beamed with pride when he mentioned that the combined teams trophy was the biggest of the day. “The Southern Cape is very proud of Hoërskool Outeniqua, who won this title for the second year in a row,” he said.

A Curro Podium win carries special prestige, as the event serves as a premier platform for developing South Africa's next generation of elite track and field athletes. Success here often signals greater things to come. An example is athlete Bayanda Walaza, once a podium winner, who went on to claim a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics as part of the South African 4 x100m relay team.

Hoërskool Outeniqua's relay team: Ray-Jordan Schoeman, Marco Lesch, Jayden Fourie and Juan Swem.

Curro Podium events draw massive crowds and hundreds of young athletes who compete in a high-stakes arena. The competition is broadcast on SuperSport Schools, giving these rising stars the spotlight they deserve. Record-breaking performances are just the beginning. Watch this space, because these athletes are going places.

The Hoërskool Outeniqua boys athletics team. Photo: Curro Sport Facebook page