Kgoputso Manaleng of Germiston Callies has etched his name in the record books by clocking a remarkable 12.54 seconds in the 100m hurdles for boys U15 at the Bestmed Egoli Grand Prix. The event took place on September 11 at the University of Johannesburg Athletics Club, where Manaleng represented Jeppe High School for Boys.
In addition to Manaleng’s impressive feat, his friend and schoolmate, Mukona Manavhela, also shone brightly, claiming gold in both the U16 200m with a time of 21.35 seconds and the 100m at 10.51 seconds.
The Bestmed Egoli Grand Prix attracted top young athletes from over 30 schools in Johannesburg, offering an exciting pre-season, multi-disciplinary sporting competition. Manaleng’s success continues a trend of excellence, as he previously dominated the U16 100m hurdles at the ASA juniors earlier this year.
Manaleng first made headlines at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) provincial track and field championships on March 10 of last year, where he set a record of 13.58 seconds in the U16 100m hurdles.
Karen Pienaar, sponsorship and CSI specialist at Bestmed Medical Scheme, highlighted the competitive spirit of the event, stating, “Schools such as King Edward VII, Hoërskool Monument, Kempton Park High, and Florida High fielded their best athletes, resulting in thrilling competitions across various sporting disciplines.”
Pienaar further emphasized the importance of such events: “The Bestmed Egoli Grand Prix showcases the incredible talent, determination, and spirit of our youth. By supporting events like this, we are not only investing in the future of South African athletics but also strengthening communities.”
Reflecting on the event’s success, she added, “This event has highlighted the incredible potential of our young athletes. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing this friendly competition grow even bigger next year.”
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