Two Malmesbury boys are reaching heights on becoming top u-13 athletes in the Western Cape after achieving gold at the SA schools championship early this year.
Micah Africa, a learner of Laerskool Swartland who is from Wesbank, represented the Western Cape’s u-13 team at this year’s SA schools athletics championship, where he set the bar high.
He was crowned champion of the 200 m hurdle, received a bronze medal in the 200 m sprint and more gold in the 400 m relay team.
Micah says he has had an aptitude for speed from a young age and could quickly adapt to his favourite sport.
He looked up to Jamaican athlete and World Record Holder Usain Bolt.
“He stands out like a hero for me, and I see myself one [day] being in his position when it comes to athletics.”
Micah motivates himself by drawing on his favourite quote of all time, “I am legendary, I am amazing”.
“I tell myself these words and I am encouraged never to give up during a race,” he says. “I always aim not to be the best, but to enjoy what I love doing.
“When you practise hard good results will always show on the track.”
Before every race Micah admits to feeling nervous but excited at the same time.
“It feels like butterflies in my stomach when I run, but at the same time I get an adrenaline rush that allows me to run faster,” he explained.
The champion’s wish is one day to see Usain Bolt and Wayde van Niekerk’s presence at one of his athletics competitions while performing.
“I would love [for] them to watch me perform and to cheer for me as I run, that would be a special moment.”
He encourages other children taking part in athletics to stay focused and to believe in themselves.
Charl Michaux, the younger of two, grew up in Malmesbury and discovered his talent for rugby at a young age.
But it is his athletic prowess that won him three gold medals this year along with the trophy for Best Athlete of the Year at the Boland championships in Paarl.
Charl participated in the boys’ u-13 1 500 m speed walk.
“My highlight was when the Western Cape schools team performed at the SA schools championship in Potchefstroom and in the u-13 1 500 m walk I found myself competing with the older boys.
“As a child I started off with a children’s game called ‘rugga rugby’ at pre-school. I was a very active child who loved running with other children.”
He looks up to Cheslin Kolbe as his hero.
“Look up at the sky, it’s an eagle” is a quote that means a lot to me, because I do everything to the best of my ability even in my training sessions – I fly like an eagle.
“I am very happy and privileged to participate in sports. There are so many children who do not have the privilege, but have the talent to perform well in them.”
Charl says every teenager should work hard to be successful, practise harder and take note of the tips and advice coaches have given to the team they are part of.
