'I hope this will bring me closer to my Olympic dream' - Bekker wins gold and silver at AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia

Middle-distance firebrand Michael Bekker delivered on his pledge to help South Africa win medals at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia. The Hoërskool Kempton Park learner clinched the gold medal in the youth men's 3 000m final on Monday 7 July in a lifetime best 8:36.90 – chopping 1.86 seconds off his previous personal best of 8:38.76 from the Athletics South Africa (ASA) U16, U18, U20 & U23 Track and Field Championships in Cape Town in March. A day later, he added a silver in the 1 500m in 03:57, finishing behind compatriot De Villiers Lamprecht of Athletics Free State.

"I feel proud and excited to be winning my first international event. I knew. I was going to win when I was running comfortably in front of the pack and no one could stick with me when I kicked in the last 100m. It's an honour to represent my country at this level," he told #TheTopRunner.

Bekker celebrates victory in the 3000m. Photo Credit: SASCOC Media.

The 16-year old is enjoying a sensational year and much of his exceptional performances are a result of hard work, dedication and focus. After a successful CGA season where he grabbed the provincial titles in both the metric mile and 3 000m, he added a silver and bronze, respectively, in both events - including clocking a PB 3:55.78 in the 1 500m - in the U18 boys' category at the Age Group Track & Field Championships at Green Point Stadium. He also finished fourth and fifth in both events at the South African School Sport (SASA) track and field Championships in Bloemfontein in April.

"I am extremely proud of Michael and his achievement. The whole build up to Namibia centred around staying calm in high pressure situations," said his coach Michael van Aswegen. "There is no secret to success. Hard work, dedication, commitment and consistency are the most important tools any athlete can apply to their journey. Michael has always wanted to be. atop performer, we just structured his life, put pillars in place to support his running aspirations and the results came naturally," said his coach Michael van Aswegen.

Bekker and his coach Michael van Aswegen pose for a photo at the Greenpoint Stadium after successfully representing Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) at the ASA U16, U18, U20 & U23 Track & Field Championships in Cape Town. Photo Credit: Supplied.

While Bekker's raw talent has long been evident, he said he won't rest on his laurels because he’s got lofty ambitions, which include representing South Africa in bigger global competitions. Speaking to #TheTopRunner from Swakopmund, in the wake of his watershed performance, a delighted Bekker said he hoped this would open doors for him.

"I want to participate in events like this every year. And maybe one day run in the Wanda Diamond League and represent our country in prestigious events like the World Athletics Championships. I hope this win at this event can bring me closer to my dream of running at the Olympics."