Seen here (Race Number 5): Nikiwe Mongwe in action during the Girls U19 100m.
Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
The PUMA School of Speed #2 saw track and field #FutureStars follow in the footsteps of Usain Bolt as they pushed their limits at the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium (Johannesburg) on Saturday 25 January 2020.
Headed by Bolt, the PUMA School of Speed is a national series of five track and field meets that was launched in 2016 with the goal of identifying exceptional young South African athletes who believe that their future is #ForeverFaster.
The PUMA School of Speed #2 saw junior track and field #FutureStars between the ages of 14-19 compete in long and high jump, the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, long jump and hurdles.
The Boys U17 400m was dominated by Lythe Pillay (Benoni) from King Edward VII School. “The PUMA School of Speed is a good platform for athletes to showcase their talent. It means a lot to come out on top today. It shows that I am doing a lot right, but there is still work to be done. So it’s back to the drawing board. My advice to other athletes is to have fun. Don’t buckle under pressure. I always tell myself that I am here to have fun. Whether you finish first or last, if you had fun it’s a win at the end of the day.” Pillay crossed the finish line in 48.23 seconds. Wilco Geldenhuys came in 2nd, while Keletso Seoposengwe finished 3rd.
Jonathan de Klerk (Alberton Christian Academy) claimed gold in the Boys U19 100m in 10.58 seconds. “The PUMA School of Speed is awesome,” says de Klerk. “This is the second time that I participate. I didn’t do so well last year. I’ve been improving my time, so I thought that now is a good time to take part. Coming first is amazing. My improvement from last year is just crazy. My advice to other athletes is to train hard and push through the pain.” Melvin Miya came in 2nd, while Phumzile Mqolo finished 3rd.
Nikiwe Mongwe (Ekurhuleni East TVET College / Springs) secured victory in the Girls U19 100m in 12.60 seconds. “I entered because I saw the nice prizes that were up for grabs and I wanted competition. I wanted to see where I am at in sport. The PUMA School of Speed is amazing. The athletes have really got their game on. Coming first means a lot. It means that I have potential to go to SA Champs and win.” Mariska Jonker came in 2nd, while Jenna Stolz finished 3rd.
Chinique Brown (Pietersburg High School Polokwane) was on fire in the Girls U19 200m. “This is the first time that I take part in the PUMA School of Speed. A friend told me about the event, so I decided to come have a look. I came second in the 400m. It feels good to come first in the 200m.” Nikiwe Mongwe came in 2nd, while Christina van der Merwe finished 3rd.
Ivan Geldenhuys (Namibia) took top honors in the Boys U19 400m in a time of 47.64 seconds. “I’ve travelled a long way. I am here to study at TUKS. I entered because there are always new experiences and new athletes to challenge you and improve your talent. I love the event. There’s nice competition, it’s well organized and the people are very nice.” Jack Judds came in 2nd, while Josua Gouws finished 3rd.
Amy Naude (Ashton International College / Ballito) secured the top spot on the podium in the Girls U19 400m in a time of 55.93 seconds. “I love the PUMA School of Speed,” says Naude. “The atmosphere is just amazing. We don’t often get to experience this. I’ve participated too many times to count. Coming first in the finals means a lot to me. It takes a lot of work. Balance is important. Balance your social life, school work and athletics. And you need to listen to your coach.” Chinique Brown came in 2nd, while Lene van Heerden finished 3rd.
“The PUMA School of Speed #2 was fast-paced and action packed from start to finish,” says PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger. “Each and every athlete should be proud of what they accomplished here today. You proved that your future is #ForeverFaster. We are excited to take this action to the PUK McArthur Athletics Stadium (Potchefstroom) on Monday 27 January 2020 where we’ll host the PUMA School of Speed #3.”
LIVE MUSIC: Award-winning musician Kyle Deutsch had athletes and spectators dancing along to music that included his hit single ‘Can’t Get Enough’.
EVENT INFORMATION: 2020 PUMA School of Speed Series
| Event, Date & Venue: | PUMA School of Speed #3
Date: Monday 27 January 2020 Venue: PUK McArthur Athletics Stadium (Potchefstroom) Event Start: 15:00 Artist Performance: 19:00 |
| PUMA School of Speed #4
Date: Saturday 08 February 2020 Venue: University of Mpumalanga (Mbombela) Event Start: 08:00 Artist Performance: 16:00 |
|
| PUMA School of Speed #5
Date: Saturday 29 February 2020 Venue: Bestmed TuksAthletics Stadium (Pretoria) Event Start: 11:20 Artist Performance: 17:00 |
|
| Entry Fee: Athletes | NO COST to enter the event
Please Note: Athlete entries close two days prior to each event. |
| Entry Fee: Spectators | R20 / adults
R10 / children Pay as you enter the stadium. |
| Events: | 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, Long Jump, High Jump, 100m Hurdles (Boys 15, Girls 17 & 19 only), 90m Hurdles (Girls 15 only) and 90m Hurdles (Girls 15 only) and 110m Hurdles (Boys 17 & 19 only) |
| Age Categories: | U15, U17 and U19 |
All entrants will stand a chance to be scouted and contracted to the PUMA Squad. The contract will be for the duration of one calendar year.
Vice Principal’s Message: Junior track and field stars can look forward to meeting South African middle-distance runner and 2020 PUMA School of Speed Vice Principal, Gena Löfstrand in the Vice Principal’s office at each stadium.
According to Löfstrand the PUMA School of Speed Series has been extremely important for South African athletics. “The Series brings together athletics fans, and future champions from all over our country,” says Löfstrand. “It gives athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent at a well-supported, world class event. It’s something for young athletes to set goals for and work hard towards. The atmosphere at the PUMA School of Speed is what makes it so special. It’s fun, exciting, and inspiring. It’s events like this that keep athletics alive! I’m proud to be working alongside PUMA to help grow athletics in South Africa.”
Like our Facebook page: School of Speed South Africa
Instagram: @schoolofspeed
For further information on the PUMA School of Speed Series please contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, via email info@schoolofspeed.com or visit www.schoolofspeed.com
Recent Comments