{"id":25934,"date":"2019-02-05T13:06:23","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T11:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/?p=25934"},"modified":"2019-02-05T13:06:23","modified_gmt":"2019-02-05T11:06:23","slug":"junior-track-field-stars-shine-at-puma-school-of-speed-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/press-release\/junior-track-field-stars-shine-at-puma-school-of-speed-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Junior track & field stars shine at PUMA School of Speed #2"},"content":{"rendered":"

The action packed PUMA School of Speed #2 <\/strong>saw close to 1300 junior track & field stars follow in the footsteps of the World\u2019s Fastest Man Usain Bolt at the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium (Roodepoort) on Saturday, 02 February 2019.<\/p>\n

Headed by Bolt, the PUMA School of Speed is a national series of five track & field meets that was launched in 2016 with the goal of identifying exceptional young South African athletes who believe that their future is #ForeverFaster.<\/p>\n

The PUMA School of Speed #2 <\/strong>saw junior track & field stars between the ages of 14-19 compete in long and high jump, the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, long jump and hurdles.<\/p>\n

Antoinette van der Merwe (Centurion, High School Eldoraigne) crossed the finish line first in the Girls U19\u00a0200m<\/strong> in an impressive time of 24.61 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed is one of the competitions that I am excited to compete at each year.\u00a0 I am really happy to be here today.\u00a0 Coming first in the 200m finals means a lot to me.\u00a0 It\u2019s the start of the season so it\u2019s a nice boost to keep going.\u201d\u00a0 Jessica Bompas came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Nikiwe Mongwe finished 3rd<\/sup>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Boys U19\u00a0200m <\/strong>title was claimed by Phatutshedzo Maswanganyi (Pretoria, Sanawad\u00a0 College) \u00a0in a lightning fast time of 21.66 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed is a great event.\u00a0 It gives me motivation and sets a bench mark for me to see where I am at the beginning of my season.\u00a0 By taking part I gain experience and get to see athletes that I\u2019ve never seen compete.\u00a0 It teaches me to not underestimate my competition.\u201d\u00a0 Handre Jonker came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Zander von Stade finished 3rd<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Carla Hattingh (Alberton, High School Marais Viljoen) claimed the top step on the podium in the Girls U19\u00a0400m <\/strong>with her finishing time of 56.04 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe series is a great opportunity to see where you rank against athletes from other schools.\u00a0 I agree with JD, coming first today is a case of picking the fruits.\u00a0 It\u2019s also a good indication of what still needs to be done to improve.\u201d\u00a0 Kirsten Arends came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Xante de Klerk finished 3rd<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

JD Prinsloo (Alberton, High School Marais Viljoen) took no prisoners in the Boys U19\u00a0400m<\/strong> bolting to the finish in a deserving time of 48.49 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed Series is a great opportunity for athletes to be noticed.\u00a0 The event also features really strong competition.\u00a0 I am proud to win today.\u00a0 It\u2019s a feeling that cannot be described.\u00a0 I got to pick the fruit of all the hard work that I have put into my training.\u201d\u00a0 Carlin Enoch came in 2nd<\/sup>, while David Seete finished 3rd<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Rose Xeyi (Soweto, Prestige College) obliterated the Girls U19\u00a0100m <\/strong>in a lightning fast time of 11.98 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed Series gives young athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent.\u00a0 That is why I love it.\u00a0 The 100m is my favorite event.\u00a0 It was really nice to run the 100m in such a great meet.\u00a0 My advice to other athletes is to not give up, keep on trying and work hard.\u201d\u00a0 Portia Machaba came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Clarise Brits finished 3rd<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Xeyi is also the first Head Girl of the PUMA School of Speed.\u00a0 \u201cIt is an honor and privilege to be the first Head Girl of the PUMA School of Speed because I get to represent PUMA,\u201d says Xeyi.\u00a0 \u201cThis is one of the best platforms for explosive athletics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sifiso Miya (Krugersdorp, Prestige College) was the athlete to beat in the Boys U19\u00a0100m<\/strong> crossing the finish line in 10.52 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cWe get to bond with other athletes at the PUMA School of Speed Series while seeing where we are at with our training,\u201d said Miya.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s one of the most special events that I\u2019ve ever competed at.\u00a0 I entered to see how fast I can go while trying to win myself a one year contract with PUMA.\u00a0 Coming first today really means a lot to me.\u00a0 My advice to other athletes is to work hard and be determined.\u00a0 Hard work and determination will take you far.\u201d\u00a0 Simbarashe Maketa came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Ntahuseni Vilankulu finished 3rd<\/sup>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vice Principal\u2019s Message<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>The junior track & field stars could meet South African middle-distance runner and 2019 PUMA School of Speed Vice Principal, Gena L\u00f6fstrand in the Vice Principal\u2019s office at the stadium.<\/p>\n

According to L\u00f6fstrand the Series is a great platform for up and coming athletes to showcase their talent and all the hard work they\u2019ve put into their sport. \u201cThe events are well organized, well supported and super exciting to be a part of,\u201d said L\u00f6fstrand.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s so important to give younger athletes events like this.\u00a0 It gives them something to work for and something to look forward to, a reason to pursue athletics. I believe that PUMA is becoming a powerful force in helping grow athletics in South Africa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feedback from the Schools<\/u><\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Helpmekaar Kollege<\/u><\/em> – \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their talents, while gaining valuable\u00a0experience in a more elite\u00a0field,\u201d says JP Van Der Merwe, Senior Deputy Head Helpmekaar Kollege.\u00a0 \u201cAs a school we entered 28 students, but we also had multiple students that entered as individual participants.\u00a0 We had a great time seeing how our school compared to others, while identify where we can improve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zwartkop High School<\/u><\/em> – According to Willie Engelbrecht, Zwartkop High School Athletics organizer and ASA Level 3 National Coach, the PUMA School of Speed is one of the best platforms available for explosive athletics.\u00a0 \u201cIt is like the pro 20 (cricket) of athletics, fast and explosive.\u00a0 It\u2019s a great privilege to be part of this series.\u00a0 We get to enjoy the talent that is on display, while the series also helps to develop coaches by offering coaching clinics.\u201d<\/p>\n

LIVE MUSIC<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>Athletes and spectators were treated to a live performance by Idols star Lloyd Cele.\u00a0 <\/em>\u201cIt\u2019s always a pleasure to perform,\u201d says Cele.\u00a0 \u201cI am grateful for people who love and appreciate my music. To have students showing their love and support was amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

COMING UP NEXT<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>2019 PUMA School of Speed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Event & Date<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>PUMA School of Speed #3<\/strong><\/td>\nSaturday, 09 February 2019 \/ Kings Park Athletics Stadium (Durban)<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Event & Date:<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0 <\/strong>PUMA School of Speed #4<\/strong><\/td>\nSaturday, 02 March 2019 \/ LC de Villiers Sportsground (Pretoria)<\/p>\n

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Event & Date:<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0 <\/strong>PUMA School of Speed #5<\/strong><\/td>\nWednesday, 13 March 2019 \/ Puk McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Entry Fee<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>Athletes<\/td>\nNo Cost to enter the event<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nEnter Online<\/u><\/em><\/strong>:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 www.schoolofspeed.com<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nPlease Note<\/u><\/em><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>Athlete entries close two days prior to each event.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Entry Fee<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>Spectators<\/td>\nR20 \/ adults<\/p>\n

R10 \/ children<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nPay as you enter the stadium.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

All entrants will stand a chance to be scouted and contracted to the PUMA Squad. The contract will be for the duration of one calendar year.<\/p>\n

Podium winners of each event final will win the following<\/u>:<\/p>\n