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Fresh faces and familiar winners feature on day 2 of SA champs

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Fresh faces and familiar winners feature on day 2 of SA champs

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Zeney Geldenhuys cruised to a fifth national 400m hurdles title on the second day of the SA Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom on Friday. 

With fellow Olympic semifinalist Rogail Joseph ruled out with a hamstring injury, Geldenhuys had no trouble in securing the gold, taking the win in 55.09 seconds. Rising star Tumi Ramokgopa was second in 55.90 – dipping under 56 seconds for the first time before returning to the track a few hours later for her heat of the 100m hurdles, which she won comfortably in 13.67 seconds.

“Today was about defending my title and I’m very happy with the first place,” said Zeney. “And the time is not bad as well, so that means the sub-55 and sub-54 is coming closer each race and I’m very excited about that.”

Tumi gave credit to Zeney for her best time ever.

“She was the one I was chasing,” explained the matric student. “My gratitude goes to her, if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have run such a good time. She pushed me really hard. She’s one of my role models and I really appreciate running with her.”

While Zeney is a regular on top of the podium, one man making his way there for the first time was an athlete six years her senior, Sabelo Dhlamini.

The 30-year-old was thrilled to secure the men’s 400m hurdles title in a 48.57 seconds – taking .17 of a second off his previous best and missing out on the automatic qualifying mark for the world championships by just .07 of a second.

“I feel exhausted, but I’m very happy, very jubilant I’d say, because we’ve been putting in so many hours. I think I’ve been chasing this title for the last four years,” he said afterwards.

Also claiming a first-ever national title was 2017 U18 world champion Breyton Poole. He secured the men’s high jump gold on countback from Tshepang Dankuru with a clearance of 2.20m with Brian Raats and Mpho Links sharing the bronze on 2.15m.

“Today wasn’t about height, it was about getting that title and I think most importantly working hard towards the end. Countbacks proved to be the decider, so I think it was a good competition all round, I’m happy with it,” said an elated Breyton afterwards.

“It took me seven years to get here, but it was worth the wait.”

There was also plenty to celebrate for 17-year-old Leendert Koekemoer, who set a new SA under-20 record in the 400m. He finished second in his semifinal behind Gardeo Isaacs in 45.03 to better the previous mark set by Riaan Dempers 31 years ago.

“I didn’t expect that at all,” he admitted afterwards. “I knew it was in me, but I didn’t think it could have been today. But ja, I’m quite glad about it.”

There was no fairytale return to the national championships for 2017 world champion Luvo Manyonga who has battled his way back from drug addiction and a doping ban. He finished sixth in the men’s long jump final with a best leap of 7.68m. Instead, it was Jovan van Vuuren, who has made a comeback of his own from a career-threatening injury, who reclaimed the title he last won in 2022 with a leap of 8.00m.

“It’s special, especially missing out last year with the national championships with the injury, so bouncing back now and reclaiming my title, it’s special for me,” said Jovan afterwards, also paying tribute to his rival on his return.

“I’m glad he’s back, especially with young athletes looking up to Luvo. These guys we’re jumping against now got inspired by Luvo. So to jump against your role model it’s special… You know he’s got the capabilities of jumping big jumps and I think we’ll be back and jumping eight [metres] in no time.”

Earlier in the day, there was heartbreak for Gift Leotlela after pulling up in the heats of the 200m. Having secured the 100m title on Thursday, the newly crowned champion reportedly suffered a muscle tweak and should be back in action soon. 

PUMA Slashes Marathon PRs, Awards $54K as Project3 Runners Set Records

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA Slashes Marathon PRs, Awards $54K as Project3 Runners Set Records

PUMA’s Project3 participants shaved a total of 1hour, 51minutes and 46seconds off their personal records at the Boston Marathon, and will take home a combined $54,000 in prize money as part of the brand’s trailblazing running programme.

Debuting the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3, a total of 90 runners from countries including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, UK, Ireland, Sweden, China, South Africa and Indonesia, toed the line at the world’s most prestigious running race, and were rewarded with a sensational number of new PRs.

Of the 90 runners competing, 30 beat their previous records, with 15 smashing their records by over three minutes, making them eligible for the mouthwatering $3,000 cash prize.

The fastest male, Joseph Whalen (2:12:16) finished in 20th place overall and knocked 1minute 23seconds off his PR, while Kylee Raftis (2:34:41) finished as the fastest female and took an incredible 4minutes 4seconds off her previous best. Manuel Diaz Callejero (02:33:35) smashed his previous record by a mindblowing 11minutes and 41seconds.

Other noteable wins came in the men’s open division where PUMA Project3 runners finished in first and second place, as well as taking home first in the men’s masters division. In total, three Project3 participants finished in the men’s top 25.

Celebrating his win back at The High Point, Joseph Whalen said: “I was so happy to make it across the line as the top male. The Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 are amazing, they were super responsive; great on the ups and even better on the downs.“

Kylee Raftis, who was racing at Boston for the third time, said: “I couldn’t be happier. I was aiming to run sub 2:35 and I excecuted my race plan perfectly. Coming onto Boylston Street felt surreal, and once I saw 2:34 on the clock I was ecstatic.”

In January, PUMA launched Project3; a first of its kind global running programme that offered participants of the 2025 Boston and London Marathons the opportunity to experience life as a professional athlete and trial the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3, with the chance to bank huge performance-based cash prizes.

The programme forms part of PUMA’s brand elevation strategy to strengthen its presence globally and celebrate the latest brand campaign, “Go Wild”.

There were also record highs for PUMA’s elite runners, with Annie Frisbie (2:23:21) obliterating her previous PR by 2minutes and 57seconds, and Rory Linkletter (2:07:02) who finished 6th overall and shaved 59 seconds off his previous best time.

With a host of records broken in Boston, all eyes now turn to London, where another 96 Project3 runners will attempt to achieve a similar feat of athleticism in the revolutionary Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3.

Having exclusivley launched at the Boston Marathon, a limited drop of Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 will go live at PUMA.com, PUMA V&A Waterfront and PUMA Sandton from 4 May 2025.

Leotlela Back in Business With National 100m Title

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Leotlela Back in Business With National 100m Title

Gift Leotlela proved he’s back and very much in the mix for the national 4x100m relay team after storming to a first ever national 100m title on the opening day of the SA Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

Leotlela burst onto the scene in 2021, running his first sub-10-second time and representing the country at the Tokyo Olympics, but has struggled to regain that form until now.

Defending champion Akani Simbine’s decision to forgo these championships to compete at the first Diamond League meet of the season in China, meant Thursday’s final was wide open, with world junior champion Bayanda Walaza and returning Olympic semifinalist Benji Richardson also vying for top honours.

In the end, it was Gift who dipped ahead of Bayanda on the line to win it in 9.99 seconds. Earlier in the day, he had run a wind-assisted time of 9.95 in the semifinal, giving a hint of what was to come. And he delivered when it mattered, beating Bayanda by just one- hundredth of a second, with Benji third in 10.05 seconds.

“I had no idea. I actually thought he [Bayanda] won. I thought he had nicked it,” said a thrilled Gift afterwards.

“I’m feeling a lot of emotions. I haven’t processed everything but all I know is that I am very happy that I got the win today,”

As for the prospect of being part of the SA relay team who will be looking for another global medal at the World Championships later this year, the 26-year-old added: “I think it’s good for South African sprinting to have a lot of guys running quick. It increases our chances of medalling at worlds and Olympics, so I’m available. If they want to pick me for the team, I’ll
be there.”

Meanwhile, the women’s 100m produced something of a surprise with Joviale Mbisha taking the title. Defending champion Viwe Jingqi withdrew from the semifinals as a precaution and Joviale made the most of her absence, claiming the win in 11.48 seconds. Gabriella Marais was second in 11.55 and 17-year-old Rumé Burger third in 11.58.

“Everyone can believe in you but if you don’t believe in yourself, it will never happen,” said Joviale afterwards. “I believe in myself and I told myself I’m going to be SA champ and that’s exactly what happened.”

As for Viwe missing out on the final, the Masters student added: “I definitely wish that she could have been in the final. I love a challenge and she’s really a phenomenal athlete so it would have been really nice to get the chance to run with her.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Glenrose Xaba cruised to a 10th senior national title on the track, winning the 5000m in 15 minutes 27.95 seconds. That saw her completing a dominant distance double after claiming the national 10,000m, which was contested in Cape Town at the start of the month.

“The race was good for me but I was a bit disappointed with the time. But I can’t complain because it’s a good time inland. So I’m looking forward to my track season overseas and doing better,” she said.

In the field events, Aiden Smith secured his first ever national title by claiming shot put gold. His effort of 20.31m may not have been a world-beating mark, but it was good enough to get the better of two-time Olympian and defending champion Kyle Blignaut who finished second with a throw of 20.07m.

“I’ve won the juniors a few times, but the seniors is just a different feeling, with the big guys, to get that title is an absolute privilege,” he said.

The SA Senior Track and Field Championships continue until Saturday.

The Great Debate

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Great Debate

Last month showed us that this was a very good decision, a debate is sometimes needed, and being able to tell both sides and let you decide is what we at Modern Athlete aim to do.  This month’s topic: Do you think races should do away with tees and medals in favour of lowering entry costs? has brought two very unique viewpoints, first from Ashraf Orrie, Mr O, and second from Bruce King, Race Director of the Balwin Sport Jeppe Marathon. There is a lot more to consider than we thought there was, and this is why we love this space so much!

Ipeleng Khunou: The Man They Call ‘Crazy Legs’

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Ipeleng Khunou: The Man They Call ‘Crazy Legs’

We get to know the man behind the name, Crazy Legs, our March cover star Ipeleng Khunou. Born with a condition that affected his mobility, from a young age Ipeleng has always had the attitude of never say never. Our Roving Cow Richard Laskey met him a year ago at the Run Your City Tshwane, and now finally we get to bring his story to life.

Christopher-Luke Peers: The Man Who Refused to Be Stopped

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Christopher-Luke Peers: The Man Who Refused to Be Stopped

Christopher-Luke Peers had a severe stroke in 2023, waking up with half his body paralysed, he thought his life was over. But with a quiet determination, he came back, learning to walk, speak, and even how to use a spoon. Fast forward a year, Christopher finished half Ironman! This year he has doubled the stakes going further than he ever thought possible.

How Support Drives South Africa’s Marathon Queen, Gerda Steyn

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on How Support Drives South Africa’s Marathon Queen, Gerda Steyn

adidas is excited to announce the release of the first episode of their brand campaign, ‘Plus One Effect’. The six-part series explores the stories of distinguished athletes and the vital role of their ‘Plus Ones’, the supporters who shaped their journeys from the sideline. Their presence changes the game, turning doubt into confidence and pressure into joy.

Building onto the success of the 2024 ‘You Got This’ launch, the 2025 campaign highlights the power of encouragement, revealing that 4 in 5 athletes face unhelpful sideline behavior, which can lead them to leave sports. Rooted in the universal truth that every athlete needs someone in their corner, the campaign highlights how a strong support system can be the difference between success and self-doubt. As one of South Africa’s most celebrated long-distance runners, Gerda’s story is deeply rooted in the local running community. With five consecutive victories at the Two Oceans Marathon, Gerda is ready to chase her sixth, backed by the unwavering support of those who believe in her. While her determination and training have shaped her success, her story proves that behind every athlete, there’s a ‘Plus One’ cheering them on.

Gerda’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and an unshakable belief in what’s possible – one she hasn’t taken alone. At the heart of her success is her husband, Duncan Ross, who has been by her side every step of the way. From handling race-day logistics and refining training plans to pacing her runs by cycling alongside her, assisting with nutrition and hydration, and keeping her motivated during the long miles, his support has been instrumental to her journey.

Gerda is celebrated as a three-time Comrades Marathon champion, five-time Two Oceans Marathon winner, course record holder, and two-time Olympian (Marathon – 2021/2024). Yet, behind her remarkable achievements, Duncan’s invaluable role often goes unnoticed. She attributes much of her success to the constant belief and encouragement from those working behind the scenes, demonstrating that a strong support system drives every record-breaking performance. “Running has been a journey we’ve embarked on together. From my early days as a social runner to making the leap into professional running, Duncan has been by my side through it all,” says Gerda Steyn. “The highs in this sport are incredible, but the lows can be tough. Having Duncan there through every triumph and setback has made all the difference.”

Gerda is not just running for her sixth title; she is running to inspire. She trusts in the adidas Adizero Pro 4, the world’s most winning marathon shoe, engineered for speed and peak performance, giving her the confidence to push beyond limits.

‘Plus One’ is more than an adidas global campaign; it’s a tribute to the people who make every win possible. adidas aims to spark a global movement of positivity, reminding every athlete that belief starts from the sidelines. After all, we all need someone to make us believe… you got this!

For more information on the adidas ‘You Got This’ campaign visit https://www.adidas.co.za/yougotthis.html. To watch Gerda and Duncan’s story, visit https://www.youtube.com/@adidas/.