Medallist heads for SA

SOUTH African 100m record holder Simon Magakwe is gearing up for a showdown with Olympics silver medallist Richard Thompson.

The sprinter from Trinidad and Tobago has been invited to the 100m at the new Jungle Series, starting in Potchefstroom on May 9 and 10.

Thompson boasts a personal best of 9.98 seconds, which he clocked at the 2008 Olympics in China where he finished second behind world record holder Usain Bolt.

Magakwe, a member of Royal Bafokeng Athletics, made history by becoming the first South African to break the 10-second barrier in 100m this month after clocking 9.98.

Also coming to South Africa for the series is US-based Zimbabwean sprinter Gabriel Mumvure. 26, who has an identical personal best.

“Simon will benefit a great deal from the series as part of our preparations for the Commonwealth Games,” Magakwe’s coach, Eugene Thipe, said.

“There is no pressure for a new record because the focus is on training. But with top sprinters like Gabriel and Richard coming, you never know.

“For us if it comes [the record], it will be a bonus. The recognition Simon is getting after setting a new record is wonderful.

“We are hoping his continued successes in athletics will enhance his chances of getting a sponsorship,” former sprinter Thipe said.

Munya Maraire, director of Magakwe management firm World Wide Scholarships, confirmed Thompson would be one of the foreign athletes to compete in the series.

They could include Casandra Tate and Lolo Jones from the US.