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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Micah Africa, a learner of Laerskool Swartland who is from Wesbank, represented the Western Cape\u2019s u-13 team at this year\u2019s SA schools athletics championship, where he set the bar high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Micah says he has had an aptitude for speed from a young age and could quickly adapt to his favourite sport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked up to Jamaican athlete and World Record Holder Usain Bolt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe stands out like a hero for me, and I see myself one [day] being in his position when it comes to athletics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Micah motivates himself by drawing on his favourite quote of all time, \u201cI am legendary, I am amazing\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI tell myself these words and I am encouraged never to give up during a race,\u201d he says. \u201cI always aim not to be the best, but to enjoy what I love doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen you practise hard good results will always show on the track.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before every race Micah admits to feeling nervous but excited at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The champion\u2019s wish is one day to see Usain Bolt and Wayde van Niekerk\u2019s presence at one of his athletics competitions while performing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would love [for] them to watch me perform and to cheer for me as I run, that would be a special moment.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He encourages other children taking part in athletics to stay focused and to believe in themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Charl Michaux, the younger of two, grew up in Malmesbury and discovered his talent for rugby at a young age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Charl participated in the boys\u2019 u-13 1 500 m speed walk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs a child I started off with a children\u2019s game called \u2018rugga rugby\u2019 at pre-school. I was a very active child who loved running with other children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looks up to Cheslin Kolbe as his hero. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLook up at the sky, it\u2019s an eagle\u201d<\/i> is a quote that means a lot to me, because I do everything to the best of my ability even in my training sessions \u2013 I fly like an eagle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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