By KPC Sports Reporter
Five national records were shattered on Friday as youth and junior athletes delivered standout performances on Day Two of the ASA Age Group Championships at Germiston Stadium.
Leading the charge was Tumi Ramokgopa, who stormed to gold in the U20 women’s 100m hurdles final in 12.93.
Representing Athletics Gauteng North (AGN), she sliced 0.22 seconds off her own South African junior record of 13.15 set in Potchefstroom last September.
“It really means a lot to me. This is my introduction to the world, so I’m really happy,” she said.
In the youth girls’ 100m hurdles, Janelle Kirkpatrick led an AGN podium sweep, clocking 12.96 to break the previous national mark of 13.02 set by Megan Nieman earlier this year.
Teammate Megan Maree finished second in 13.07.
Nieman, however, endured disappointment after a false start in the heats ruled her out of the final, though she is expected to return strongly in the U18 girls’ 400m hurdles.
Another highlight came from Enrique Bosch, who delivered a blistering run in the U18 boys’ 110m hurdles final.
Competing for Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), Bosch crossed the line in 12.92, shaving 0.06 seconds off the previous national record of 12.98 set by Matodzi Ndou.
His time lifted him to second on the global all-time rankings, just 0.05 seconds shy of the world youth record held by Sasha Zoya.
“This really means the world to me. It’s a dream come true… and I am so thankful for my support system,” Bosch said.
On the track, Christi Loggenberg dominated the U18 girls’ 400m, winning gold in 52.33 and leading another AGN podium sweep.
Her performance obliterated the previous national youth record of 52.84 set by Precious Molepo in 2022.
“The start was really good… and at the end I really pushed through,” Loggenberg said.
“It feels amazing to have broken the record. I really can’t believe this.”
The day’s action concluded with a commanding performance from the Boland team in the U18 boys’ 4x100m relay.
The quartet of Lezario Meyer, Micah Africa, Mitchell Maarman and Quade Matjan powered to victory in 40.71, setting yet another national record and capping a remarkable day of youth athletics.