The ASA Grand Prix 1 in Tshwane saw South African athletes break two national records. Leandri Holtzhausen set a new hammer throw record at 67.95m, while the women’s 4x400m relay team clocked 3:28.30, breaking a nine-year-old record. Other highlights included strong performances by sprinter Karabo Letebele and Prudence Sekgodiso in the 800m.
The ASA Grand Prix series commenced at Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane, showcasing a remarkable event where two national records were broken. Leandri Holtzhausen led the way by throwing the women’s hammer 67.95 meters, surpassing her previous record of 66.54 meters set last month. Holtzhausen expressed confidence, stating, “I definitely feel I can go close to 70 metres. I really feel good, my training has been going well, and I feel it’s just a matter of time.”
In another highlight, the national women’s 4x400m relay team shattered a nine-year-old South African record, clocking in at 3:28.30. The talented quartet of Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Marlie Viljoen, and Zeney Geldenhuys edged past the former record of 3:28.49 held since 2016 by Caster Semenya and others.
The event continued with a thrilling men’s 100m race where 18-year-old sprinter Karabo Letebele achieved victory in 10.19 seconds, tying with second-place Emile Erasmus. Kenyan athlete Ferdinand Omanyala finished third. Letebele remarked, “I didn’t expect to beat him (Omanyala)….I just told myself to execute my own race.”
Prudence Sekgodiso triumphed in the women’s 800m with a time of 1:59.01, while Marione Fourie secured victory in the 100m hurdles with a world-leading time of 12.77 seconds. Both athletes are preparing for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in China. Sekgodiso and Fourie noted the event’s significance in marking the start of their outdoor season.
The 2025 ASA Grand Prix 1 in Tshwane marked a successful start to the South African athletic season, with Leandri Holtzhausen and the women’s 4x400m team setting new national records. The performances by Letebele, Sekgodiso, and Fourie also showcased South African talent preparing for international competitions. Overall, the event highlighted the country’s emerging athletic profile and set a promising tone for the season ahead.
Original Source: www.athletics.africa
