Ruben Ramolefi with his national record clock at the 2009 South African champs (© Mark Ouma)
A national record by Ruben Ramolefi was the highlight of the second and final day of the Yellow Pages South Africa Senior Championships in Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch (14).
Overall, athletes produced the best results at a national championship in more than a decade, with six World Championships ‘A’ standard qualifiers achieved, and a further 13 attained the B standards, along with two women’s national records for Lesotho’s Selloane Tsoaeli who was competing as a guest.
I was not going to let this chance slip away
In the 3000m Steeplechase, like a man on a mission Ramolefi took charge of his race from the start with new-find Joseph McKenzie tenaciously pursuing him until he began fading in the last two laps. Ramolefi’s vast experience counted most as he powered his way to a national record of 8:16.04. Ramolefi’s previous best was 8:19.86 at the Beijing Olympics. The old record of 8:19.00 was set in this very Coetzenburg Stadium by Waddon Niewoudt in 1992.
McKenzie’s brave run paid off as he crossed the line in a career best of 8:31.97. It is a remarkable achievement for an athlete who has not trained at hurdling over the barriers and water jumps, and only begun running the steeplechase last month.
“I feel a huge load is now off my chest. For the past three years I have consistently run within two seconds from the old record,” confirmed Ramolefi. “The weather was nice and warm and there was not wind that often makes running uncomfortable. This was a gift from God which I was not going to let this chance slip away,” says Ramolefi.
Thipe – 51.13 for 400m
One of South Africa new crop of sprinters Tsholofelo Thipe was in her element retaining her 400m title with a personal best of 51.13 seconds. In the event preceding the 400m, she won the 100m and in the process improved her lifetime best by 0.04 to 11.36.
“I find running the 400m immediately after the 100 metres quite normal. I did that last year as well,” says Thipe who was fourth in the 400m at the Africa Championships last year.
“I prepare my athletes to be ready to recover quickly as they have to run several preliminaries before the final at international event,” said Thipe’s coach and husband Eugene. “Tsholofelo will run much faster this year as much of her training has been focussed on conditioning.”
100m drama
Simon Makagwe, a new name in the elite of South Africa athletics won the hearts of fans in the dramatic 100m finals. His initial 10.32 victory was disputed, with some of the coaches of his opponents claiming he made a false start. To settle matter the athletes assembled for a re-run of the final.
This time, Makagwe won the race in 10.21, a World Championship ‘A’ standard qualifier. Makagwe received a standing ovation from fans and athletes alike. He now ranks ninth on the South Africa all-time list.
“I dedicate this victory to my mother, my girl friend Tshepiso and coach Amatjie Smith,” said a delighted Makagwe. “Throughout the Yellow Pages Series, they always confined me to the B race, never giving me a chance to run in a fast heat. I hope things will improve,” concluded Makagwe.
Middle Distance thriller
Perhaps the most thrilling event of the day was the men1500m where the lead change hands several time until the last 300m. It came down to a sprint for the finish line between Johan Cronje and defending champion Juan van Deventer. Cronje clocked 3:36.48 to Van Deventer’s 3:36.58.
Mbulaeni Mulaudzi (1:44.81) prevailed in the 800m ahead of Andre Olivier (1:45.41).
Other notable performances were from 400m Hurdlers Janet Wienard (56.23) and Wenda Theron (56.45) and javelin thrower Robbert Oosthuizen (80.78).
Lesotho’s Selloane Tsoaeli improved her national Heptathlon record by over 300pts to 4968. She also set a national triple jump record.
Mark Ouma for the IAAF
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