Gauteng’s Tebogo Mashela (Absa/University of Johannesburg) blitzed her way on Friday to a new South African record in the 3 000m women’s steeple chase.
After two events in Secunda and Tswane in January, and one in Stellenbosch earlier this month, this was the fourth Athletics South Africa (ASA) Champions Challenge event.
Running in blustery conditions, the 26-year-old Mashela finished in a time of 10.01,14, with previous record holder Nolene Conrad (Lib/Nike) coming in second at 10.25,94.
At the South African Nationals held in Port Elizabeth a week ago, the two finished one and two, with Conrad running a record 10.05,3. However, it was Mashela’s turn this week.
”I’m so happy to have the record and the number-one spot back,” Mashela said. ”Everything has worked out so well — and qualification for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne is the cherry on top!”
About her race, Mashela added that she felt slightly apprehensive before the start. ”Nolene [Conrad] outran me at the SA champs last week, so I had something to prove this time around. But as soon as I started, I knew it was going to be a good race. Tonight I’m going to have a bit of a celebration!”
Another highlight was the 400m women’s event where Tsholofelo Selemela (Bakwena) ran 52,69 to take first. Right behind her was Estie Wittstock (Mr Price) with 52,77. Unfortunately, Adri Schoeman (Lib/Nike), who ran the fastest 400m time this year in Pretoria (51,77), had to pull out of the event.
The men’s 100m title went to Snyman Prinsloo (Absa/University of Johannesburg), who ran 10,66. Sergio Mullins (BDMS) was second with 10,68. Sherwin Vries(Lib/Nike), who ran the fastest 100m time earlier this year in Secunda (10,28), did not take part in this event.
Geraldine Pillay (Lib/Nike), who clocked the fastest women’s 100m time this year in Port Elizabeth last week — 11,07 — was again in good form. She sprinted to a first place in 11,55, and Maties sprinter Janice Josephs was runner-up with 11,60.
Pillay was, however, looking forward to better conditions at the last two events on the ASA Champions Challenge. ”It was windy tonight again,” she said. ”So I can’t wait for Tshwane and Oudtshoorn. It’s going to be calmer and hopefully I can blitz it there!” — Sapa