Gift Leotlela Emerges Victorious in Men’s 100m Final at SA Athletics Championships
Gift Leotlela made a triumphant return to elite competition at the SA Athletics Championships in Potchefstroom, clinching the men’s 100m title in dramatic fashion. The 26-year-old sprinter, who had faced setbacks due to injuries in recent years, showcased his resurgent form by crossing the finish line in 9.99 seconds, just edging out junior athlete Bayanda Walaza by a mere 0.01 seconds.
Having represented South Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games as a teenager, Leotlela expressed his joy at the victory, stating, “I don’t know how to feel at the moment but I’m very happy. I came here to win.” He emphasized the importance of perseverance and belief in his journey back to the top of his game.
Despite stiff competition from the likes of Benji Richardson, Leotlela’s determination and skill secured him the top spot on the podium, reaffirming his status as a formidable sprinter in the national athletics scene.
Joviale Mbisha Claims Women’s 100m Title
In the women’s 100m final, Joviale Mbisha emerged victorious, seizing her first SA senior title with a time of 11.48 seconds. With Viwe Jingqi withdrawing from the competition due to injury concerns, Mbisha capitalized on the opportunity to showcase her speed and talent on the track. Gabriella Marais and Rume Burger rounded out the podium, displaying the depth of talent in South African sprinting.
Additional Highlights from the Championships
Long-distance runner Glenrose Xaba continued her dominance on the track, securing double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m events for the second consecutive year. Xaba’s stellar performance underscored her status as a premier athlete in the endurance disciplines.
Former world champion Luvo Manyonga made a strong statement in the men’s long jump qualifying round, marking his return to competition after a four-year ban with a leap of 7.80m. Manyonga’s presence added excitement to the championships, as he vies for another national title in the long jump event.
The SA Athletics Championships provided a platform for South Africa’s top athletes to showcase their skills and determination, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
