Two young men from Worcester who have a passion for athletics, have set their sights on participating in the World Junior athletics meeting in Columbia.
Agano Daniels (18) and Jivanno Melouw (16) of Drostdy High School and Worcester Gymnasium respectively, recently flew Worcester’s flag high after being crowned the Boland champions at the weekend.
The young athletes won gold in their respective 100 m races. Melouw also received gold in his 200 m while Daniels walked away with a silver medal.
“It was my first gold at the Boland champs so it was very special for me,” says Daniels.
On the 200 m race, he says he was tired.
“It was two hours after my first race so it took a toll on my body, but I understand that I would have to be more prepared this weekend at the Western Cape championships.”
Daniels shares that he started seeing a career for himself in athletics, when he was in Grade 8 already.
Since then, he has been on a steady incline.
In addition to that, he further shares that he looks up to Wayde van Niekerk, the 200 and 400 m sprints athlete who is also the current World and Olympic record holder.
Answering the question about what keeps him motivated he says: “I never lose sight of the bigger picture, which is to compete in the Olympic games.”
Part of the picture he drew for himself is getting university entrance to go study physiotherapy.
“I also want to make my mother proud because she sacrifices a lot for me.”
Melouw, who is not new to the sport, was once a long jump champion.
He tells Standard that after being part of the relay team at the South African schools championships, he made the decision to specialise in sprints this year.
“The year started off quite well and I am very happy.
The reason why I am working so hard is because I really want to make my parents proud. They are always there I need them, so it is only right that I make them proud.”
“I had to get the newest Adidas spikes and they ensured me that I would get them and they made sure I did,” he adds, pointing to his feet.
The thriving athlete mentions that his goal to become a world champion, keeps him awake at night.
“Though I did not achieve my time goal, I am still proud of what I was able to achieve. I now understand that with sprints one has to bring their A-game all the time.”
Before competing for medals, Melouw says he would like to qualify for the Olympics first and then channel his mind to compete.
