{"id":26810,"date":"2019-03-03T16:43:04","date_gmt":"2019-03-03T14:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/?p=26810"},"modified":"2019-03-03T16:43:24","modified_gmt":"2019-03-03T14:43:24","slug":"puma-school-of-speed-4-delivers-fasttimes-in-pretoria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/press-release\/puma-school-of-speed-4-delivers-fasttimes-in-pretoria\/","title":{"rendered":"PUMA School of Speed #4 delivers #FastTimes in Pretoria"},"content":{"rendered":"

Track & field supporters were treated to a speed storm of note today (Saturday, 02 March 2019) with junior track & field stars following in the footsteps of the World\u2019s Fastest Man Usain Bolt at the PUMA School of Speed #4<\/strong> that was hosted at the LC de Villiers Sportsground (Pretoria).<\/p>\n

Launched in November 2016 by PUMA and Stillwater Sports, the series is committed to the development of athletics talent in South Africa by discovering the fastest young Speedsters.<\/p>\n

Catering for track & field stars between the ages of 14-19, the PUMA School of Speed Series features the following events:\u00a0 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, Long Jump, High Jump, 100m Hurdles (Boys 15, Girls 17 & 19 only), 90m Hurdles (Girls 15 only) and 90m Hurdles (Girls 15 only) and 110m Hurdles (Boys 17 & 19 only).<\/p>\n

Mark Gaines (Morningside) set a blistering pace in the Boy\u2019s U19\u00a0100m <\/strong>claiming victory in a deserving time of 10.57 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed Series is a lively competition,\u201d says Gaines.\u00a0 \u201cI came all the way from KZN just to compete here.\u00a0 It\u2019s one of those competitions where you get to test yourself, push yourself.\u00a0 I think all athletes should do this, aim to push themselves to their limits.\u00a0 This is a really nice competition that gives athletes that opportunity.\u00a0 I am preparing to go to SA\u2019s, so I wanted the competition.\u00a0 My coach is trying to get me that competitive edge.\u201d\u00a0 Edwin van Wyk came in second, while Realeboga Manyeneng finished third.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Antonette van der Merwe (Centurion\/ High School Eldoraigne) claimed the top spot on the podium in the Girl\u2019s U19\u00a0100m <\/strong>with a lightning fast time of 11.61 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed Series is one of my highlight events every year,\u201d says van der Merwe.\u00a0 \u201cThe energy and everybody\u2019s spirit is great.\u00a0 For every athlete improving your personal best is a big thing.\u00a0 The PUMA School of Speed ensures good competition with good times.\u00a0 Finishing first today really means a lot to me.\u00a0 The heat had a lot of good athletes, people who I\u2019ve come a long way with.\u00a0 My advice to other athletes is to never stop working for your dreams.\u201d\u00a0 The PUMA School of Speed\u2019s <\/strong>first Head Girl, Rose Xeyi came in second, while Nicola van der Merwe finished third.<\/p>\n

Zander van Stade (Centurion \/ High School Zwartkop) claimed gold in the Boy\u2019s U19\u00a0200m <\/strong>in an impressive time of 21.30 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed is a big opportunity that every child has.\u00a0 It\u2019s also a very nice event that takes place every year.\u00a0 I\u2019ve worked hard these past two years to bring my times down.\u00a0 Coming first means a lot to me.\u201d\u00a0 Wendell Wylbacht came in second, while Enos Mqolo finished third.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nicola van der Merwe (Rustenburg \/ High School Rustenburg) sprinted to victory in the Girl\u2019s U19\u00a0200m <\/strong>clocking a time of 24.09 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to compete at,\u201d says van der Merwe.\u00a0 \u201cThe spirit is amazing and the event is really well organized.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t really running to win, but instead just wanted a good time.\u00a0 I am really happy with the time that I ran.\u201d\u00a0 Simone Kellerman came in second, while Sacha van Niekerk finished third.<\/p>\n

Josua Gouws (Pretoria \/ Ho\u00ebrskool Die Wilgers) was on fire in the Boy\u2019s U19\u00a0400m <\/strong>crossing the finish line first in 47.48 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cComing first in the finals means a lot to me,\u201d says Gouws.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of hours of hard work per week that has gotten me to this point.\u00a0 When you\u2019re rewarded like this, it really means a lot.\u00a0 The PUMA School of Speed is well organized, the programme is on time, everything looks really nice and you receive really nice prizes.\u201d\u00a0 Martin Magumeni came in second, while Danell Fakude finished third.<\/p>\n

Kirsten Ahrens was the speedster to beat in the Girl\u2019s U19\u00a0400m.\u00a0 <\/strong>Ahrens claimed victory in a well-deserved time of 54.65 seconds.\u00a0 Amy Naude came in second, while Marzaan Loots finished third.<\/p>\n

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