'It started with throwing stones' - Rising javelin star Luan Wohlfarht eyes success at ASA Sub-youth champs

"I will be happy for any place on the podium," says young javelin thrower after smashing his personal best at the Germiston Stadium. Throwing stones while out playing on the family farm helped turn Luan Wohlfarht’s right arm into a potent machine. Luan showed his potential in the U11 boys’ turbo javelin during the second CGA sub-youth track and field league meeting of the season on 5 October where he sent the javelin sailing out to 33.51m to eclipse his previous PB of 30.09m. This was a big improvement for the 11-year old as he looks to qualify for the interprovincial championships in Bloemfontein in December.

"Throwing the stones trained me to get my biceps stronger to throw further," he told

#TheTopRunner. Being one of three boys on the farm was a big help to the Noordheuwel Krugersdorp learner. Competing with his brothers, he would throw the stones as far as he could, unaware that he was preparing himself for one of the most attractive track and field

events; the javelin throw.

Luan competing at the CGA Sub-youth league meeting at the Germiston Stadium. Photo Credit: Lebohang Pita.

"That’s how this whole thing developed, by throwing stones. Later on, we bought a javelin. It started from there," said Luan’s father Andre. After seeing his son’s potential, Andre, a former athlete himself, watched javelin tutorials online. That's how Luan was able to work on and improve his technique.

"We watched videos on how to get the technique right. We practiced after school and on weekends we did the turbo javelin. We never knew the distances that were required to throw. So, last year we participated for the first time and when he threw, we saw that he did good distances. From there, we worked on his coordination and movement," added Andre.

Wolfhart is aiming for a podium finish at the ASA Sub-youth interprovincial championships in December. Photo Credit: Lebohang Pita.

Luan qualified for last year's interprovincials in Secunda and his 28.58m throw earned him sixth place to finish as CGA’s top athlete in the event. This year, he wants to earn his first national age group medal. "My goal is to go to the nationals and get on the podium. I will be happy with any medal, as long as I'm on the podium."

Not since Marius Corbett won the World Championships title in 2001 has the country celebrated success in the men's javelin at a major global championship event. Luan's dream is to become the first SA man to win an Olympic javelin medal. For now though, he will focus on improving until he is ready to compete on the big stage.