Achieving fifth place in long jump at the national school championships is by no means an ordinary feat, but what makes it all the more significant for 12-year-old Jaydo Manuel is that he started this athletics participation just last year.
The Grade 6 learner at Oklahoma Street Primary School in Macassar has shown athletic prowess since he started school, and over the years became an avid sprinter and rugby player.
“It’s a natural progression for sprinters to take on long jump,” said his coach, Desmond Machelm, “and we guided him along the way, also providing support and motivation.”
While most children his age showed a bit of reluctance Jaydo’s first jump at the interschool athletics meet this year was an impressive 4,85 m.
He has only improved since then, excelling at cluster and district events before being chosen for Western Province school teams and, most recently, the Western Cape team that travelled to Pietermaritzburg for the national championships on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March.
“He’s an extremely talented and disciplined athlete,” declared sports coordinator at the school Odette Manuel-Plaatjies, “and his coach always tells him he has much more to offer and just needs to continue working hard and practising.
Jaydo’s effort at the nationals, which won him fifth position, was well under his best personal jump of 5,3 m, which he obtained at practise.
“So we know he has it in him actually to obtain a podium finish and possibly do the best in his division,” said Manuel-Plaatjies.
“Now our focus will be on his development and consistency.”
According to Jaydo, he’s enjoyed touring Pietermaritzburg and relishes the chance to be selected for more opportunities in the future.
With the athletics season over, he is now excited about the rugby season ahead and what opportunities it could bring him.
“I enjoy sports and setting myself goals. As for the teamwork aspect of rugby, I will now focus on that for the next few months.”
Jaydo will also enrol in cross-country events to develop his running capabilities.
His mum, Joydine, beams with happiness and contentment at her son’s accomplishments.
“I’m very proud of my Jaydo, and my deepest wish is that he achieves all his dreams,” she said.
