Seen here (Race Number 5): Boys U19 100m winner, Zandre Jacobs in action.
Photo Credit: Mark Sampson
The 2020 PUMA School of Speed Season got off to a blistering start with the PUMA School of Speed #1 that was hosted at the Dal Josaphat Athletics Stadium in Paarl on Wednesday 22 January 2020.
Headed by Usain 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 #1 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.
According Boys U19 100m winner, Zandre Jacobs (a former student from Paarl Gymnasium), the PUMA School of Speed is an amazing event that helps people realize their dreams. “My advice to athletes is to chase your dreams and believe in yourself.”
Jamie-Leigh Oliphant (La Rochelle Girls High School) obliterated the field in the Girls U19 100m. “The PUMA School of Speed is a good platform for young athletes that would like to do well in the sport. Although it’s still at the beginning of the season, finishing first is a big achievement. I am hoping to continue doing as good as I did today.”
Adrian Swart (Paarl Gimnasium) was the athlete to beat in the Boys U19 200m. “I’ve competed at three PUMA School of Speed events and this one is definitely the best. There’s a great atmosphere and it’s hosted in my hometown. I’d definitely advise more athletes to take part in this event because it gives you a very good foundation. Another reason why I entered is because my role model, Luke Davids is here. I really wanted to see him. This is also my last year in school, so I wanted to take part one last time.”
According to Girls U19 200m winner, Courtney Van Heerden (University of the Western Cape), it’s the competition that attracts her to the PUMA School of Speed Series. “It’s just before the school events start, so everyone is hyped up. My advice to other athletes is to work hard and stay focused.”
Zachery Boer (Noorder-Paarl High School) took no prisoners in the Boys U19 400m. “The PUMA School of Speed is a really nice competition. Finishing first today is a huge reward, because I trained really hard. My advice to athletes is to train harder, don’t give up.”
Anneken Viljoen (Bloemhof High School) took top honors in the Girls U19 400m. “I really enjoy the PUMA School of Speed Series and have been competing since I was in grade 8. Every year it just gets better. It’s a great way to start the season. It means a lot to finish first especially because it’s the first event of the series.”
“The PUMA School of Speed #1 was the perfect start to the 2020 PUMA School of Speed Season,” says PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger. “Our goal is to identify exceptional young South African athletes who believe that their future is #ForeverFaster. Today each and every athlete surpassed all expectations. The standard has been set. We look forward to seeing Joburg’s response at the PUMA School of Speed #2 at the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium on Saturday 25 January 2020.”
LIVE MUSIC: SA’s latest hip hop sensation Biggy had athletes and supporters singing along to his music which included ‘Dames’, the first single on his debut album as well as a new track called ‘Richboy’.
EVENT INFORMATION: 2020 PUMA School of Speed Series
| Event, Date & Venue: | PUMA School of Speed #2
Date: Saturday 25 January 2020 Venue: Ruimsig Athletics Stadium (Johannesburg) Event Start: 09:00 Artist Performance: 16:30 |
| PUMA School of Speed #3
Date: Monday 27 January 2020 Venue: PUK McArthur Athletics Stadium (Potchefstroom) Event Start: 15:00 Artist Performance: 19:00 |
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| PUMA School of Speed #4
Date: Saturday 08 February 2020 Venue: University of Mpumalanga (Mbombela / Nelspruit) Event Start: 08:00 Artist Performance: 16:00 |
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| PUMA School of Speed #5
Date: Saturday 29 February 2020 Venue: Bestmed TuksAthletics Stadium (Pretoria) Event Start: 11:20 Artist Performance: 17:00 |
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| 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
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