'She's one of the best' - Steeplechase sensation Jade Doran to represent SA at the CAA U18 & U20 Champs

National U18 2 000m steeplechase champion Jade Doran expressed pride and joy after being selected in the SA U18 team to represent the country at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18 and U20 championships in Nigeria in July. Doran is part of the 29-member U18 squad, which includes national women's 200m champion Rumè Burger, sprinter Mukona Manavhela and middle distance prospects Emil Els and Minke Dekker.

The U20 team boasts the talents of Bayanda Walaza, Hannah Hope Vermaak, Amogelang Tatai and Naeem Jack. 

Doran qualified after winning the U18 girls' 2 000m steeplechase during the ASA U16, U18, U20 & U23 Track and Field Championships in Cape Town on March 29, clocking a personal best 7:07.27, to chalk 19.8 seconds off her previous mark of 7:27.03 from the Gauteng Schools champs. The gold in the Mother City follows a bronze medal in the U16 girls' 1 500m steeplechase at last year's nationals at the Pilditch Stadium. The steeplechaser expressed gratitude to her Coach, former 800m specialist Michael van Aswegen and her parents for their constant support throughout her career.

Doran has made the steeplechase her event. Photo Credit: Benoni High School.

"I'm so happy and grateful. I didn't even realise that I've qualified for the African games. I was so happy when realised I did," she told #TheTopRunner. "It means everything. It's the biggest achievement of my athletics career. I'm very happy. Thank you so much to my coach and parents. I'm grateful to them. They add so much to my life," said the 18-year old Benoni High School learner.

Van Aswegen, who represented SA at the sixth world junior championships in Italy in 2009, explained that Doran's selection is the result of the athlete's hard work and commitment over the past seven years.

"It's been such a journey. She started as the 40th placed athlete in the first Central Gauteng Athletics Cross Country league meeting she ran. She slowly progressed through the ranks, placing 38th in her first Gauteng champs. She then moved up to 20th in her second provincials before finishing 10th in 1 200m final in her first provincial track season," he said.

Doran runs on the finishing straight to win the U18 girls' 2 000m steeplechase at the CGA champs in March. Photo Credit: Lebohang Pita.

The coach stated they realised that they will always be competitive in the flat events, but to reach the level Doran wanted to be at, they decided to try the steeplechase.

"Jade did the hurdles in primary school. She had the hurdling technique. So it was just a matter of gaining the confidence to go over the water jumps. We had a few slips and falls, but she's made it her event. As she continues to grow and gain confidence, we are going to see better performances from her. This selection has given her the stamp of approval she needed for her to believe she's one of the best. Her hard work over seven years has brought her the opportunity to represent her country. It's all coming at the right time."