Okon and Molepo win big at CGA Awards

Central Gauteng Athletics' (CGA) 400m stars Udeme Okon and Precious Molepo capped a remarkable season in style, dominating the CGA awards at Melrose Arch on December 7.

Okon, boldly declaring his intent "to shock the world" in 2026, and Molepo, eyeing a powerful reset next year, reaffirmed their statuses as South Africa’s rising forces over the one-lap dash with powerful performances on the track this year. The pair walked away with the province's athlete of the year of the year accolades after a standout campaign that delivered medals at both the World Athletics (WA) Relays in China and the WA Championships in Tokyo.

In his first senior season, 20-year-old Okon followed his triumph at last year’s WA Junior Champs with a silver medal in the 400m in a lifetime best 44.99 at the ASA Senior track and field Championships and a gold and bronze as part of Team SA’s 4x400m relay team at the WA Relays Champs and WA Championships.

Okon in action at the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships where he claimed the silver medal behind Zakithi Nene. Photo Credit: Cecilia van Bers.

"I feel good. I definitely ran personal bests in my races. It was a good feeling. But I wouldn’t say that it’s my best season because I feel like there’s more to be done. Obviously with school and all the work, I had to slow down on the track. Now, it's all about going back and getting ready for next season. I'm looking to shock the world and a lot of people to show them I'm still here," said the youngster who matriculated from Florida High School this year. 

Although unexpected, Molepo thanked CGA for the recognition following her breakthrough year after a two-year slump. She ran under 53 seconds for the first at the ASA senior champs, crossing the line in 52.36 for a bronze medal, before clocking a PB 52.32 to win the USSA women's 400m at Pilditch Stadium. The 20-year old was also part of the SA women’s 4x400m relay team that grabbed a bronze at the WA Relays in Nanjing and also set a new women’s 4x400m national record of 03:24.84.

Molepo poses with the bronze medal she won as part of the 4x400m relay team at the World Relays in China in May. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I didn't really expect it. I feel like I didn't hard enough to feel I deserve this award. But I'm grateful. Thanks to my coach and teammates for their unwavering support," she told #TheTopRunner.

Jumping and sprinting sensation Oluchi Ndubueze and the fastest U20 400m athlete in the world, Leendert Koekemoer, were named the junior athletes of the year, while middle-distance specialist Chelsea van Dyk and hurdler Stiaan Myburgh won the most promising junior (U18) athletes awards. Koekemoer’s coach Lindy du PLessis was named coach of the year.

Koekemoer, who won a gold and bronze medals with the men’s 4x400m relay team at the WA Relays and WA Championships said, "I'm proud of myself. I worked hard for it."