{"id":27150,"date":"2019-03-14T18:34:57","date_gmt":"2019-03-14T16:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/?p=27150"},"modified":"2019-03-14T18:34:57","modified_gmt":"2019-03-14T16:34:57","slug":"puma-school-of-speed-treats-potchefstroom-to-foreverfaster-track-field-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/press-release\/puma-school-of-speed-treats-potchefstroom-to-foreverfaster-track-field-events\/","title":{"rendered":"PUMA School of Speed treats Potchefstroom to #ForeverFaster Track & Field Events"},"content":{"rendered":"

SA\u2019s premier school\u2019s track & field series, the PUMA School of Speed<\/strong> took Potchefstroom by storm on Wednesday, 13 March 2019 with junior track & field stars going #ForeverFaster at the PUMA School of Speed #5 <\/strong>that was hosted at the Puk McArthur Stadium.<\/p>\n

Headed by Usain Bolt, the PUMA School of Speed Series was launched in 2016 by PUMA and Stillwater Sports with the goal of identifying exceptional young South African athletes who believe that their future is #ForeverFaster.\u00a0 This exciting series caters for track & field stars between the ages of 14-19 and features the following events:\u00a0 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, Long Jump, High Jump and Hurdles.<\/p>\n

Mojela Koneshe (Pukke North West University \/ originally from Lesotho) clocked the fastest time in the Boy\u2019s U19\u00a0100m <\/strong>crossing the finish line in 10.85 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to come first in the U19 category.\u00a0 I came to Potchefstroom to attend school and take part in sports.\u00a0 I found a new coach who is really taking care of me.\u00a0 The results are showing on the track.\u00a0 The PUMA School of Speed series is amazing.\u00a0 The atmosphere is absolutely fantastic, everyone is excited, it\u2019s vibrant and the competition is good as well.\u00a0 You actually want to push harder because this is PUMA, Usain Bolt\u2019s Series that he started.\u00a0 My advice to other athletes is to work hard every single day.\u00a0 You have to make sure that this is your passion, but the main thing is to have fun.\u00a0 You have to enjoy running and enjoy sprinting.\u201d\u00a0 Liam Walsh came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Phumzile Eno Mqolo finished 3rd<\/sup>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toinette Murray (North-West University \/ Potchefstroom) claimed the top spot on the podium in the Girl\u2019s U19\u00a0100m<\/strong> in an impressive time of 12.31 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cI take part in the PUMA School of Speed every year.\u00a0 It\u2019s one of the events that I look forward to the most.\u00a0 The event is well organized and the athletes are made to feel special.\u00a0 It\u2019s a privilege to be able to run here and it\u2019s an honor to finish first.\u00a0 The girls that ran today are stunning athletes.\u00a0 It takes hard work, so finishing first really means a lot to me.\u00a0 It\u2019s great motivation.\u201d\u00a0 Melissa Steenkamp came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Andiswa Dingiswayo finished 3rd<\/sup>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marthinus du Preez (High School Pochefstroom Gymnasium \/ Potchefstroom) showed a clean pair of heels in the Boy\u2019s U19\u00a0200m <\/strong>crossing the finish line first in 21.91 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed is a great series to increase your level of performance,\u201d said du Preez.\u00a0 \u201cPlacing first in the finals today is a great feeling.\u00a0 This is the first time that I finish first, so I am very happy.\u00a0 My advice to other athletes is to not doubt their ability.\u00a0 There will always be downs.\u00a0 Just believe in yourself and train hard.\u201d\u00a0 Phumzile Eno Mqolo came in second, while Jordan Kok finished 3rd<\/sup>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Zenobea Jewaskiewitz (North-West University \/ Potchefstrooom) claimed victory in the Girl\u2019s U19\u00a0200m <\/strong>in a deserving time of 24.75 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed Series is fantastic,\u201d said Jewaskiewitz.\u00a0 \u201cThere is such a great vibe, the people are excited.\u00a0 It\u2019s so nice.\u00a0 Everybody is so amazed by this event.\u00a0 I just decided that I had to run.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t expect to win today.\u00a0 I just focused on my time.\u201d\u00a0 Melissa Steenkamp came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Anina van Zyl finished 3rd<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

The athlete to beat in the Boy\u2019s U19\u00a0400m <\/strong>was Romeo van Wyk (Northern Cape High School \/ Kimberley) who claimed victory in 49.33 seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThe PUMA School of Speed is a brilliant event.\u00a0 It\u2019s well organized.\u00a0 I am just happy to have been part of it.\u00a0 I entered the event because I was looking for better competition.\u00a0 By finishing first I\u2019ve proven that I\u2019ve worked really hard.\u00a0 It encourages me to not give up and continue working hard.\u00a0 My advice to other athletes is to never give up on your dreams.\u00a0 Continue to work hard, time will come.\u201d\u00a0 Tshidiso Bantweni came in 2nd<\/sup>, while Dylan Botha finished 3rd<\/sup>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Junior track & field stars were given the opportunity to meet South African middle-distance runner and 2019 <\/strong>PUMA School of Speed <\/strong>Vice Principal<\/strong>, Gena L\u00f6fstrand in the Vice Principal\u2019s office at the stadium.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe PUMA School of Speed Series is a great platform for up and coming athletes to showcase their talent and all the hard work that they\u2019ve put into their sport.\u00a0 It gives athletes 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 said L\u00f6fstrand.<\/p>\n

All entrants stood 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 took home the following<\/u>:<\/p>\n