While there was rain in Bloemfontein on Thursday, with possibly more expected on Friday, the action on the track and field was certainly red-hot.

Free State claimed an early gold medal on the opening morning of this prestigious event, with local favourite Judy Watson clinching a national title.

The 17-year-old Watson, who attends Hoërskool Fichardtpark, impressed by winning gold in the girls’ U19 discus. Watson, who has a season’s best of 51.65 m, outperformed Chris-Mari Nel of the Western Cape to take the title. Her throw of 49.42 m was nearly half a metre further than her nearest competitor.

Judy Watson. Photo: Morgan Piek

Nel secured silver with an effort of 48.94 m, while Jamore Olivier of Gauteng rounded off the podium with a throw of 44.75 m to claim bronze.

This achievement was even more remarkable given that the young athlete, who will also compete in the shot put, has been recovering from an injury over the past month.

Following her victory, Watson told OFM Sport that winning a national title in her hometown was the cherry on top. “I’m incredibly happy to be crowned the girls’ U19 discus champion at the SA Schools Championships,” said Watson.

1500m for boys. Photo: Morgan Piek

“There’s no better place to achieve this than in Bloemfontein. While I usually have to travel to other provinces for strong competition, this gold medal is special because I won it right here, with my fellow competitors in my own backyard.

“It's certainly a proud moment for me, and I'm even more excited for what lies ahead.”

Other Results

In a fantastic result for the Free State, Dian Bisschoff won the boys’ U15 hammer throw with a staggering distance of 57.04m, while Marnu Geyser finished second with an effort of 48.12 m. Wian Bredenkamp completed an all-Free State podium, also recording 48.12 m to claim bronze.

Boys U15 steeple chase. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bulela Mganu of Gauteng took gold in the boys’ U15 1500 m steeplechase in 4:32.01. Gauthvin Makatees of the Western Cape secured silver in 4:39.76, while Bongani Mpond of Gauteng finished third in 4:40.67.

In the boys’ U19 3000 m steeplechase, Simba Chamunorwa of Gauteng emerged victorious in 9:25.61, with the Free State duo of Katleho Molato (9:35.43) and Reabetswe Chabalala (9:39.43) claiming silver and bronze, respectively.

Liam-Lloyd Doman finished third in the boys’ U19 10,000 m walk with a time of 50:31.77 in another fine results for the Free State, while Rudolph Erasmus secured silver in the boys’ U15 pole vault.

Close to 1,500 youngsters, representing all nine provinces, will be competing for national glory until Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg