'It doesn't matter what position I take as I long as I give my best' - Minke Dekker ready to tackle 1500m at CAA U18 & U20 Champs

Boasting the likes of World Athletics U20 champion Bayanda Walaza, SA Senior 200m champion Rumé Burger, Commonwealth Youth Games medalist Tumi Ramokgopa and 8 metre long jumper Temoso Masikane, South Africa has sent a strong 70-member team to the CAA U18 and U20 Championships which take place in Nigeria from 16-20 July. As they did during the two previous editions of the continental youth and junior track and field competition, Team South Africa will once again be looking to top the medals table ahead of the likes of Kenya and Nigeria.

Dekker in action at the ASA U16, U18, U20 & U23 Track & Field Championships in Cape Town where she won two gold medals. Photo Credit: Cecilia van Bers.

One of the athletes who will be looking to add the nation's medal tally is 16-year-old Minke Dekker who was part of the team that departed for Abeokuta in Nigeria today (14 July, 2025). Coached by Willie Engelbrecht, the Höerskool Zwartkop learner has enjoyed a fruitful 2025 season setting personal bests over her specialist 1500m (4:26.40) and 3000m (9:31.80), while winning the national U18 titles in both events at the Greenpoint Stadium in late March.

"I'm privileged to have had such a good season. I must give glory to God for getting me through it. Without Him I wouldn't have been able to do it. He Helped me through every training session and every race. Some races were tough. I couldn't have done it without His strength," she told #TheTopRunner.

The South African U18 & U20 team pictured on Monday 14 July before jetting off for Nigeria. Photo Credit: Cecilia van Bers.

Dekker, who first broke 4:30 as a 15-year-old in 2024, has qualified to compete in her specialist three and three quarter laps of the track event. As which distance is her favourite, the diminutive middle distance athlete choses the 1500m over the 3000m saying she is going into the championships against a quality field of East Africans with no expectations.

"I prefer the 1500m because it feels as though one is still in the game. But in the 3000m it sometimes feels like you are just going on and on and on," she explained before revealing her mindset going into major competitions. "It doesn't matter what position I take, as long as I enjoy myself and give my best. If I can break my PB then I'll be proud."