Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Na’eem leaps to national hurdles win
LIKE his hero, Grant Holloway from the US, who is the world record holder in the indoor 60m hurdles event, Na’eem Jack hopped, skipped and jumped to a national best.
Na’eem, who represented Western Province Athletics, stormed his way to a gold medal in the boys under-16 100m hurdles, clocking 12.47 seconds at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Age Category Championships in Potchefstroom last weekend.
The ASA does not keep official SA records in the U16 category. However, they were quick to point out that the lanky athlete had done well to set a national best.
This was the third gold medal the Mondale High School pupil had picked up in less than a month after he was crowned the boys U15 100m hurdles and 200m sprint champion at the South African High Schools Championships in Germiston.
“It feels really good to run a national best in my age group.
“I am really happy to be champion at two national competitions. It still feels unreal but my hard work has paid off. Being the SA schools champ gave me a confidence booster and the proper mindset going into the ASA Age Category Championships.
“I reached every goal I set myself this season,” said the Itheko Sport Athletic Club athlete.
Na’eem’s goals are to keep working
hard for national events and, hopefully, represent the country one day.
“I would like to represent my country at the Olympics and break the world record; but one step at a time.
“Credit should go to my coach, Paul Jacobus, who has played a major role in my athletics career. Without him I would not have been where I am today,” he said.
Jacobus said he was delighted with Na’eem’s performances this year.
“I was in tears when he ran a national best. His achievements gave me great joy. His build-up to the ASA Age Category Championships was amazing because he was already running sub-12.85 seconds,” he said.