Achievers to the fore in track and field
Athletics
Otjozondjupa came off as the second-best regional team behind the dominant Khomas.
The Namibia Schools Sports Union (NSSU) annual flagship event, its national athletics championship, was held successfully over the weekend at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek showcased a competitive spirit among young athletes from various regions across Namibia. Athletes exhibited exceptional performances, as well as breaking of national records across multiple sports disciplines.
Among many highlights were undoubtedly the record-breaking feats achieved by athletes in events ranging from sprints to demanding endurance races, throws or jumping events.
Spectators were treated to thrilling displays of athleticism as competitors left their mark on the NSSU history books by surpassing previous records.
In addition to the individual achievements, the combined medal count reflected the collaborative efforts of athletes from different regions.
The Khomas team again emerged as the top-performing region, securing a total of 88 medals, including 40 gold, 28 silver and 20 bronze. Following closely behind were Otjozondjupa Region with 40 medals, Hardap Region with 39, and Erongo Region with 37.
Other regions that made themselves known on the overall medal count include //Kharas Region with 28 medals, Oshikoto Region with 16, Ohangwena Region with 15, Omusati Region with 23, Omaheke Region with 15, Kunene Region with 10, Kavango West Region with 6, Oshana Region and Kavango East with five each.
AWARDS WINNERS
Senior victrix ludorum – Lauren van Niekerk (Khomas). Girls 16-17, winner 100 hurdles (14.72); long jump (5.45 m, new NSSU age record); triple jump (11.25 m, new NSSU age record).
Junior victrix ludorum: Alexandra Scheepers (Khomas). Girls 14-15, winner high jump (1.70m, equals Adara Gey van Pittius’ NSSU age record); long jump (5.66 m, new NSSU age record); 200 metres (26.20, new NSSU age record).
Junior victor ludorum: Matt-Reece Isaaks (Khomas). Boys 14-15, second in 800 metres (2:04:09); winner 1500 m (4:15:62, new NSSU age record); winner 3000 (9:22.42, new NSSU age record).
Senior victor ludorum: Abraham Nuseb (Hardap). Boys 18-19, won 400 hurdles (1:01.61, NSSU age record); second long jump (6.86); won triple jump (13.58, NSSU age record).
Best male track athlete: Matt-Reece Isaaks (Khomas). Best female track athlete: Kambiri Kazaatjo (Omaheke).
Best male field athlete: L'Wyk Viljoen (Erongo). Best female field athlete: Leane Boshoff-(Otjozondjupa).