Nene storms to huge PB as Chaumeton downs Wildschutt on Day 3 at SA Champs
- Thathe Msimango
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
South African sprinting sensation Zakithi Nene delivered a remarkable performance on the third and final day of the Athletics South Africa Senior Track and Field Championships clocking a scintillating 44:22 personal best time to clinch a third national 400m title.
In the absence of defending Champion Lythe Pillay who was in action at the Xiamen Diamond League in China, a new one lap king was going to be crowned on the day. The 27-year-old Olympian showed tremendous strength over the final 100m to claim a huge victory against World Junior medalist Okon Udeme who clocked a personal best 44:99 for the silver medal, while Gardeo Isaacs took the bronze medal in 45.19. Nene, who became the second fastest South African of all time behind World record holder Wayde Van Nierkerk's, said he had always planned to win the national title a fast time.
"Today, I watched the Diamond League and I wanted to respond. I also wanted to win the title which I haven't won in years. After running 44:68 two weeks ago, I knew that my legs have a capability of running something close to 44:20s. It was just a matter of how and when," said the New Balance top runner.
Meanwhile, there was drama the eagerly awaited men's 200m final when pre-race favourite and Olympic silver medalist Bayanda Walaza got disqualified for a false start. In the end, 2022 SA Champion Sinesipho Dambile, who sacrificed his dad's funeral to participate in the Championships, took the first place in 20.11. There was a delight for 17-year-old Naeem Jack (20.13) and Abduraghman Karriem (20.15) who finished second and third place for Western Province Athletics as they both booked tickets to World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
"The boys gave me a good fight. It was really a tough race and I'm happy that I managed to win. My goal coming here was to win and I'm confident that they are happy back home," said an overwhelmed Dambile who celebrated with training partner Gift Leotlela and by thanking the crowd. "The emotions come from looking at the work we have managed to put in to get where we are. Yesterday, I was bit rusty but coming in today I told myself that I need to win."
In the longer distances Prudence Sekgodiso grabbed two gold medals winning both 800m and 1 500m events. In the 800m, the World Indoor champion controlled the race and dipped under 2 minutes (1:58.80), as did runner-up Charne Swart (1:58.98) and by so doing, both qualified for the World Championships.
"The race was tactical. I kept looking back to see where my competitors were. In the end, I'm so happy to run sub 2 minutes and I'm also happy for Charne who managed to qualify for the World Championships. At least I now know that I'm not going to be alone which will motivate me," she said.
The surprise of the day came in the men's 5000m final where Maxime Chamueton produced 13:44.53 to defeat multiple SA record holder Adriaan Wildschutt (13:53.05) for a maiden SA title as Kabelo Mulaudzi took the bronze medal (14:01.89).
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