Three teenage athletes did their school and club proud when they participated at the Totalsports Women’s Race last Tuesday (9 August), with two of them obtaining podium finishes in the 5 km race and the other, who ran the 10 km event, progressing to qualify for the Western Province metro schools’ cross-country championships over the weekend.
Michaela Mbasa, Rickecia Smith and Lee-Ann April, all learners of Macassar High School, are also part of the elite athletics academy Anton Bantu Athletics Academy where Lewellyn de Wee is the head athletics coach and founder, along with assistant coach Patrick Jansen.
“We’ve been training so hard but never expected to do so well,” said Rickecia, who along with Lee-Ann ran the 5 km distance and finished second and third respectively.
“We’ve been trained to pace ourselves, maintain focus and keep a clear mind, and it worked so well!” said Lee-Ann.
Michaela ran the 10 km event where she finished in good time, but just missed a podium finish. On Saturday (13 August), she also participated in a cross-country race hosted in Parow, where she finished fourth and obtained qualification to run for WP metro schools cross-country championships, which will be held in George on Saturday 27 August.
A good performance here will see her progress to the National Schools Championships to be held in Rustenburg, North West, later this year.
“It just feels fantastic and our goal now is to just keep our focus, keep training and work towards improving our times,” said Michaela.
The girls will also participate in the Western Province Club Championships in Kuils River this coming weekend, where they will run under the banner of Macassar Athletics Club.
Macassar High teacher Coby Snyders, who manages the cross-country team, said the sky is the limit for the avid runners. “We see them as future Olympians and will continue to support and motivate them,” she said.
Principal Ivan Frantz added: “We’re very proud of these athletes, especially for keeping up their fitness and focus over the past couple of years when they were restricted due to Covid. Their performances continue to be very inspiring to their peers.”
Lewellyn de Wee concluded: “We would also like to thank Endurocad for always assisting our athletes and giving them opportunities through their women empowerment programme.”
V Anyone who would like to join Anton Bantu Athletics Academy can contact Lewellyn de Wee on 062 970 3660.
V To assist the teenagers with sponsorships on their upcoming trips, contact Snyders on 061 116 8086.
