Records tumble on last two days of ASA Age Group Championships as hurdlers shine

Day two of the ASA age-group track and field championships on March 27 at Germiston Stadium belonged to record breakers as no fewer than four national milestones fell in a blistering afternoon track session that showcased the country's rising stars at their fearless best. Hurdlers Enrique Bosch (CGA), Janelle Kirkpatrick and Tumi Ramokgopa (both AGN) all rewrote the record books in their respective events, while Christi Loggenberg delivered a jaw-dropping run in the U18 women's 400m.

Bosch, under the guidance of coach Lindi du Plessis, broke the elusive 13-second barrier for the first time, storming to gold in the U18 men's 110m hurdles in 12.92. In so doing, he shaved 0.06 seconds off Matodzi Ndou's previous mark of 12.96 to set a new national record.

Enrique Bosch clocked 12.94 to set a new U18 men's 110m hurdles record. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

Kirkpatrick kept the momentum rolling, dipping under 13 seconds herself to win the U18 girls' 100m hurdles in a record-breaking 12.96, obliterating Megan Nieman’s 13.12 set just last year.

Ramokgopa added her name to the history books in emotional fashion. After crossing the line and spotting her time, she erupted in celebration before sharing a heartfelt embrace with coach George Bradley. Her 12.93 not only secured victory in the U20 women’s 100m hurdles but also saw her better her own national record.

Tumi Ramokgopa dipped under 13 seconds for the first time, smashing her own U20 women’s national record. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

"It means everything to me. I don’t have the words but from the bottom of my heart, I’m truly grateful. We always knew sub-13 was the goal. We just needed the right weather and wind. Deep down I was nervous. We came for a sub-13. Now that we have it, we are not stopping," she told #TheTopRunner.

Still more records fell on the final day of competition on March 28 as Matodzi Ndou, Megan Nieman and Ansume de Beer brought the curtain down on a sensational ASA age-group track and field championships. 

Ndou lit up the track in the U20 men's 400m hurdles, storming to a new national record of 48.64 to eclipse Zazini Sokwakhana’s long-standing 48.73. Serial record-breaker Nieman followed suit in the U18 girls’ race, slicing through the field to clock 56.54 and bettering her own mark of 56.57 she set in Pretoria last month.

Matodzi Ndou crosses the line to win the U20 men's 400m hurdles. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

In the field, De Beer soared to new heights in the U23 women's pole vault, clearing 4.18m to improve her own national record of 4.16m, set in Stellenbosch last year, to secure the gold medal. 

"I'm really excited. I've just recovered from an injury. It's my first time jumping. It's just a big relief that I could jump. I had so much fun. I was definitely in the right mindset, which is the most important thing, and was extremely focused and dedicated today. I’m thankful and glad because I've wanted to jump the record. I’m proud of myself," she told #TheTopRunner.