Seen here: Anaso Jobodwana in action. Photo Credit: Roger Sedres
The first man to break 20sec in the 200m in South Africa, Anaso Jobodwana has thrown his cap into the fray in the men’s 200m and headlines the act at the first Athletix Grand Prix Meeting that will take place at Ruimsig Stadium, Johannesburg on Thursday, 01 March 2018.
Jobodwana ran 19.87sec on his way to a World Championship bronze medal in 2015, in what was then an SA record. The 200m has always been Jobodwana’s favourite race, even though he has had success in the 100m when he won the World University Games title in both events (100m and 200m) in 2013.
He has unfinished business with the 100m and wants to break the magical 10sec barrier, a feat that is easily within his reach given his 200m time.
“I know that when I break the 10sec mark, I will easily be able to beat my 200m best and reclaim the national record (19.84sec held by Wayde van Niekerk). Running the 200m at the first Athletix Grand Prix Meeting fits in perfectly with my plans to get back into the shape where I am running fast again and feel comfortable doing it,” said Jobodwana.
“I’m excited about running in Ruimsig. It will be good to race again and I am looking forward to seeing who will line up with me.”
One of the athletes lining up alongside him will be next generation sprinter, Retshidisitswe Mlenga. It seems strange that one would speak of the next generation of sprinters in the same sentence as the likes of Anaso Jobodwana as he is only 25 years old, yet such is the depth now in South African sprinting that it is impossible to not do so. Mlenga became the toast of the town after winning the 200m world title and the silver medal in the 100m at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Nairobi in 2017. His performances will see him mix it with the big guns. This can only be of benefit to the 17-year-old.
“Kenya was a big experience for me. Winning that title has given me so much more confidence. Now I am invited to run against the likes of Anaso (Jobodwana) whom I have looked up to for many years. It feels like I have moved onto another level,” said Mlenga.
Jobodwana has had a string of bad luck with injuries since his World Championship bronze medal. He is looking forward to running injury free in 2018. With the CAA Senior African Championships taking place in August in Asaba (Nigeria), Jobodwana is looking forward to having a good build up to the Championship. The Athletix Grand Prix Meeting fits in perfectly with his plans.
“Running injury free is an amazing feeling. Now I have the time to perfect my technique and at the same time run some really good competitive races. The Athletix Grand Prix Meeting on 01 March is perfect for me in terms of timing.”
EVENT INFORMATION: Athletix Grand Prix Series
Dates and Venues:
| Thursday, 01 March 2018 | Ruimsig Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Thursday, 08 March 2018 | Tuks Stadium, Tshwane |
| Thursday, 22 March 2018 | Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl |
Ticket Prices:
Main Pavilion Tickets
| Standard Ticket: | R 100 each |
| Children under 16 years of age: | R 50 each |
Open Stand/Grass Banks
| Standard Ticket: | R 50 each |
| Children under 16 years of age: | R 50 each |
ONLINE TICKET SALES will open on Wednesday, 14 February 2018. Tickets can also be purchased at the gates of each event.
Facebook: AthletixGrandPrix
Twitter: @AthletixGP
Website: www.athletixgrandprix.com
About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including track and field, cross country, road running and racewalking) in South Africa, recognised by the IAAF, and also a member of Confederation of African Athletics. The association is based in Johannesburg.