Justine Robbeson competes at the 2008 South African Champs (© Mark Ouma)
Stellenbosch, South AfricaAfrican Javelin Throw champion Justine Robbeson, hurdler Louis van Zyl, and sprinter Tsholofelo Thipe emerged winners on the finals day at the Yellow Pages Senior National Championships on Sunday (16).
A strong head wind dented the hopes of scores of athletes vying to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.
Robbeson, 22, the 2006 World Cup bronze medallist won with 60.12 metres. “My hope was to better my African record (63.49m - 16 Feb 2008). Now I look forwards to defending my Africa championships title (in Addis Ababa Ethiopia) next month,” says Robbeson.
Making a comeback after a bout of poor health, Louis van Zyl (49.86) edged Pieter de Villiers (50.12) to claim the 400m Hurdles title. “This victory is a huge relief after being sick for over three weeks. It was so important to me, my coach and my family. Even though the strong head wind ended hopes of qualifying for Beijing, I am confident I will qualify at the Grand Prix in Doha Qatar,” Van Zyl disclosed.
Competing in her first 400m race of the year, Thsolofelo Thipe clocked 52.61 seconds to win the women’s 400m. Zambian runner up, Rachel Nachula (52.97) improved her national outdoor record by 0.02 seconds. Earlier on Thipe clocked 12.79 in the 100m against a head wind of 9.5 metres per second (-9.5). Later she clocked 25.64 against a head wind of (-7.4).
“I have never in my life competed under such odds. My aim was to not just to qualify for the Olympics in 400m but also to run the 400m under 51 seconds. I hope to qualify for Beijing possibly at the Africa Championships,” says Thipe.
Hannes Dreyer pulled together a double in 100m (10.92) and 200m (21.81) against headwinds of -6.1 and -8.2 respectively. “It felt like running against a huge force pushing you backwards. I am glad to win two national titles. I am positive I will qualify for the Olympics,” Dreyer asserts.
Rene Kalmer clinched the gold medal in both the 1500m and 5000m. While Lebohang Phalula (2:09:54) and Mbulaeni Mulaudzi (1:47.62) were 800m winners. Mulaudzi best summed up the athlete’s frustration at the effects of the strong headwind. |
“When I realised that there was a strong win, I decided to hold back and just aim for a fast finish to defend my title. There was no way of running a fast time in these weather conditions,” Mulaudzi lamented.
Despite the elements several junior and youth athletes made a significant impact. Africa junior 1500m bronze medallist Dumisani Hlaselo (3:47.30) was third. Earlier in the heats he shattered Cronje’s national junior record by over two seconds with a lifetime best of 3:38.15.
Elsewhere junior women Deone Joubert (Pole Vault) and Bianca Erwee (Heptathlon) carried the day in their events. Andre Olivier (1:48.47) was runner up in 800m.
Mark Ouma for the IAAF
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SELECTED RESULTS
MEN
400m Hurdles
1 Louis van Zyl 49.86; 2 Pieter de Villiers 50.14
Long Jump
1 Keenan Watson 8.26m (+2.7) PB/ OLY A; 2 Khotso Mokoena 8.25 (NWR) OLY A
Hammer Throw
1 Chris Harmse 75.62 OLY B
WOMEN
400m.
1 Tsholofelo Thipe 52.61; 2 Rachel Nachula (Zambia) 52.97 (National Record)
Long Jump
1 Janice Josephs 6.62 (-1.0
Hammer Throw
1 Marizette Badenhorst (Junior) 51.40
Heptathlon
1 Bianca Erwee (Junior) 4718 points
