Nine-year-old Elizabeth Pretorius, a bright-eyed Grade 3 learner from Curro Langebaan, recently made her mark on the world stage at the Biathle World Championships in Egypt.

Port Said, Egypt (21 October 2024) – At only nine years old, Elizabeth Pretorius displayed remarkable skill and determination in the exhilarating sport of biathle (Biathle, also referred to as modern biathlon, is a sport that was derived from modern pentathlon) at the Biathle World Championships in Egypt – proving that age is just a number and that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible!

The Grade 3 learner from Curro Langebaan represented South Africa with great determination as she tackled the waters and the beach track, proving that dynamite does indeed come in small packages.

Despite her young age, Elizabeth faced tough competition from athletes around the globe but refused to crack under pressure.

Over four gruelling days, she competed in individual and team biathle relays, battling through challenging conditions both in the water and on the beach as her races combined sea swimming and beach running. Her determination and resilience were evident in every race.

According to her school, Elizabeth was one of the youngest in her U11 age group. She finished 8^th in her team relay and 27^th in the Biathle individual races, giving her a world ranking of 36^th place!

“Elizabeth, we are so proud of you! Not only your amazing accomplishments but your dedication and fighting spirit. May this be the first of many for you,” Curro Langebaan said.

As Elizabeth continues to grow and develop her skills, we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish in the future!

Sources: Curro Langebaan

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Glenrose Xaba rocked the road on Sunday in a record-breaking way! Her debut Cape Town Marathon saw the athlete crowned champion of the race while setting a new course and national marathon records in the process!

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2024) — Cape Town roads were filled with a kaleidoscope of sneakers, cheers of enthusiasm and songs of endurance over the weekend. It was thrilling to watch as the sea of runners charged forward, one foot in front of the other, even when everything in their bodies told them to give it a rest (you could actually see some legs shaking in protest). While each had their own reasons for participating in the Cape Town Marathon, some were gunning for the big leagues, like champs’ titles and record-breaking moments. For Glenrose Xaba, both of these feats would soon be achieved in a feat of road-rocking moments!

 

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South Africa’s Glenrose claimed the Women’s win with a time of 2:22:22. Thanks to her, a South African got to stand on the top tier of the podium (the men’s title went to Ethiopia’s Abdisa Tola for a time of 2:08:16). Not only this, Glenrose set a new record both for the course and for South Africa’s marathon history; taking the baton on from Gerda Steyn’s previous record which was a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 3 seconds.

This was Glenrose’s debut Cape Town marathon, too. But, to be fair, she is the current South African 5,000 and 10,000 metre and 10km road record holder, with an obvious knack for long-distance dominance.

Nonetheless, it’s still remarkable that she achieved the feat on her first go around the Cape Town Marathon route. Moreover, her win was one of resilience, considering the relentless winds that ensued over the weekend.

“I didn’t want to say before the race, but my goal had been the course record,” the champ shared before adding that she was shocked to have broken both the course and national record.

“I’m humbled to have taken Gerda’s South African record.”

Sources: Cape Town Marathon

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The Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club spent time representing South Africa in Australia for the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships – and filled it with history-making moments!

South Africa (20 October 2024) – Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club’s first-ever team to compete in Australia delivered remarkable performances, breaking new ground and securing impressive results at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships. With a squad of 27 passionate Youth, Open, and Masters athletes, Clifton proudly etched its name into the history books.

Historic Firsts for Clifton:

• First time Clifton has sent a team to compete in Australia
• First-ever Open Ladies team to compete at World Champs
• First-ever Female Masters athlete to compete at World Champs
• First-ever Youth team to compete at World Champs

Open Competition Success:

Final Placings (out of 142 clubs):

• 18th in Ocean
• 20th in Pool
• 19th Overall

The Clifton Open team of 15 athletes showed resilience and heart, competing fiercely against the world’s best. In the Pool events, athletes set new personal bests, with standout performances from Kendra Du Toit, who reached both A and B Finals in individual events. The Open Ladies relay team achieved victory in a B Final and reached both A and B Finals in other relays, significantly boosting Clifton’s campaign.

In the Ocean events, teamwork shone as the Ladies Tube Rescue and Men’s Beach Relay teams both finished 4th. Samuel Booysen also placed 4th in the Beach Sprints, and the Ladies Board Rescue team secured a B Final 5th place finish. In a gruelling Men’s Long Run Relay, Clifton claimed an admirable 6th place.

Youth Competition Triumphs:

Final Placings (out of 91 clubs):

• 6th in Ocean
• 9th in Stillwater
• 8th Overall

Clifton’s Junior Boys excelled on the beach, Jake Hutton stood out with back-to-back World Champion titles in Flags and Beach Sprints. Clifton had three athletes reaching the Flags A final: 14-year-old Kyto Tuohy, in his first Youth competition, finished 4th, while Sam Abold took 6th. In the B sprint finals, Sam placed 2nd, Kyto 7th, and Josh Huntingford 8th. The Youth Boys Beach Relay team of Josh, Kyto, Mathew Pincente, and Sam won the World Championship, highlighting an outstanding performance by Clifton’s Youth squad.

Keira Van Heerden broke three National Records in the 50m Manikin Carry (twice), 200m Obstacle, and 100m Rescue Medley, setting new U17, U19, and Open Women’s National records in the final. Having competed with the National team earlier in the week, her achievements were exceptional.

Masters Competition Highlights:

Christina Mallion, Clifton’s sole Masters competitor, earned a bronze medal in the Surf Ski event and secured several top 8 finishes across board, beach sprints, long run, and flags.

Reflections and Gratitude:

“As a group, we came here to learn, and we experienced an amazing calibre of racing while forming lasting friendships. We left our mark on this competition with our spirit, and we can be truly proud of our final placings.” – James Thomson, Clifton Head of Sport.

Clifton athletes returned home with pride, eager to continue building on their successes at future world championships.

“On behalf of Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made our journey to the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships possible. From our dedicated coaches, management, and support staff to our generous sponsors, Velocity Trade and PKF, your belief and commitment fuelled our success. We are proud to have represented our community on the world stage and look forward to building on this incredible experience.” – Ed Tuohy, Clifton Chairman

Clifton’s participation in the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships marked a significant milestone in the club’s history, and their achievements have set the stage for even greater success in the future.

Sources: Website Submission 

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Father and son duo Russel and Nic Gill share a love for hockey that not only speaks to the value of family but will also see them representing South Africa on the world stage at the electrifying World Masters Hockey World Cup.

Cape Town, South Africa (18 October 2024) – In an unfolding story of family, passion, and athletic prowess, Russel and Nic Gill, a father-son duo, are set to make waves representing their country together at the World Masters Hockey World Cup in the Mother City!

Masters Hockey SA describes the tournament as the leading event for masters hockey, honouring the commitment and talent of players who thrive in the sport well after their prime years.

From seasoned veterans to rising stars, teams will converge to vie for glory and honour on the international stage.

Russell, who plays for the RSA Men’s Over 65 team, along with Nic from the RSA Men’s Over 40s, both embody the true spirit of Masters hockey forged on the field, shares Masters Hockey SA.

Armed with their hockey sticks and eager to compete in their respective categories, both players remind us of how family can really help us tap into our passions.

More than just a sport, masters hockey offers a unique opportunity for athletes to continue playing the sport they love while maintaining their health and staying connected to a vibrant, supportive community.

“For players like Russell and Nic, it also means sharing unforgettable moments on the international stage, proving that age is just a number for heart and determination.”

Sources: Masters Hockey SA

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Siyabonga Mfana has worked with non-profit, the Cart Horse Protection Association, for the past six years. When Siya started running to work, the idea of using his strong legs for a better cause came about. Now, Siya is preparing to take on the Cape Town Marathon and the 2025 Comrades!

Cape Town, South Africa (18 October 2024) — Siyabonga Mfana is preparing to run his first marathon this Sunday as a build-up for his big mission: running the 2025 Comrades to support cart horses working on the Cape Flats!

Siya has worked with the non-profit organisation, the Cart Horse Protection Association (CHPA), for the past six years. Based in Cape Town, CHPA’s top focus is advocating for the welfare of working horses and donkeys, which they do in a myriad of practical ways, including education and training initiatives for owners, clinic services and veterinary care, monitoring the animals, as well as rescues and rehabilitation efforts.

For Siya, it only made sense to dedicate his first marathon to the animals he works with. Siya was already running from Delft to work in Epping to save on taxi fare (beyond himself, Siya is also paying for his sister’s education at culinary school), and so when CHPA team member Megan White asked him if he would consider running the Comrades with the animals they advocate for in mind, he took the opportunity on with open arms and steady legs!

But Siya first needs to test the waters of running a marathon, which he’ll tackle on Sunday as a participant in the Cape Town marathon.

Siya’s fundraiser is already going strong, having raised over 50% of its target already!

The funds will help support CHPA’s services for cart horse welfare while raising awareness for their important cause.

You can support Siya’s marathon fundraisers here.

Sources: Cart Horse Protection Association 

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Dlala Africa, a beacon of hope in the Manenberg community, often plagued by violence, is providing holistic support, nurturing cricket talent, and empowering future generations.

Manenberg, South Africa (17 October 2024) – In the heart of Manenberg township in Cape Town, lies a remarkable organisation that is working hard to make a profound difference and provide a holistic approach to supporting young people.

Dlala Africa provides nutrition, after-school homework support, mentorship, and a safe space to play cricket at the Ohio Sports Field.

The organisation offers a place where children can escape the harsh realities of their surroundings plagued by gang violence and discover their potential.

While tension and threats prevail on the periphery, the gangs know that this is a no-go area, allowing boys and girls from the community to meet to play together on this field.

Mentors making a difference

Professional cricket coach Shahied Adonis runs the Dlala Africa NGO program where he offers his time voluntarily, while Taz Mohammed heads up the after-school programme also voluntarily.

Their aim, together with coach Anees, is to keep children off the streets and away from the dangers that lurk nearby.

“Many of the children walk up to 3km to get to the field where they are provided a meal and assisted with schoolwork before heading to the nets for cricket practice.

“Dlala Africa serves meals to 100-120 children daily. And for some, this is their only meal,” shares Stuart Goulding, Dlala Africa Board Member.

Township cricketers soar to greater heights

Over the past few years Taz, Shahied, and Anees have nurtured young talent where top talent is rewarded with a bursary or scholarship to a prestigious school like Bishops Diocesan College, South African College Schools, or Wynberg Boys.

One of the organisation’s shining players, Abdallah Bayoumy has signed his first pro contract with WP Blitz.

Another rising star, Adnaan Lagadien just scored his debut hundred for the South Africa u19 Emerging Team. He went on tour recently with the Bishops Diocesan College’s 1^st cricket team and scored two double-hundreds in Sri Lanka!

“Many other first-division club teams have players who cut their teeth at the Ohio Sports Fields and have been mentored by Shahied before being given opportunities to serve as role models for those who follow.

“This window of opportunity means they can provide hope for their families and give back to the community,” adds Goulding.

Dlala Africa operates on R100,000 annually, serving 100-120 children each day.

The NGO is self-funded and with no principal donors, relies on the goodwill of the community.

“It is such a good cause to support, and Adnaan Lagadien is a testament to the large vein of untapped potential just waiting to be given a fair smack of the ball.”

To support Dlala Africa’s efforts in creating a brighter future for the youth of Manenberg email dlala.africanpo@gmail.com or stuartg@worldonline.co.za.

Sources: Dlala Africa

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A group of 50 individuals united by their love for dance and their desire to make a difference, have triumphed at the IDO Hip Hop World Championships for their masterpiece of choreography “Give Peace a Chance”.

Skopje, North Macedonia (16 October 2024) – Dancers showed up in their numbers to create a breathtaking spectacle at the IDO Hip Hop World Championships 2024 which kicked off with a vibrant Parade of Nations.

The week-long World Championships competition is the largest of its kind on the IDO calendar and attracts an unprecedented 5,000 dancers from around the globe.

Upon landing in Skopje, North Macedonia, each dancer has been carrying the weight of their nation’s hopes, their hearts filled with a mix of excitement and determination.

When things got intense, and it was time to take the stage and showcase weeks, if not months, of rehearsals, South Africa delivered an outstanding performance!

Team South Africa coach Eunice Marais was thrilled to announce that the dance production, Give Peace a Chance, triumphed at the World Championships and the team was crowned first-place champions.

“This piece of choreography, performed by 50 talented dancers from South Africa, spreads a powerful message of hope, peace, and love to the world during troubled times,” shared Eunice.

The team of dancers received their Protea colours before departing for North Macedonia and will return home with a coveted trophy for their stellar performance!

Sources: Eunice Marais

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Thanks to a great opportunity, Sachin Padayachee embarked on a journey that took him all the way to the U21 national team.

Gqeberha, South Africa (16 October 2024) – An opportunity through Gqeberha charity organisation United Through Sport has seen Madibaz hockey star Sachin Padayachee embark on a journey that took him all the way to the U21 national team.

Most recently, the sport management student was a member of the self-same SA U21 team that shocked the major hockey provinces by capturing the interprovincial title in Johannesburg last month.

Following that tournament, Padayachee retained his place in the national squad for the Junior Africa Cup in Namibia from November 30 to December 8.

Success there will see the South Africans qualify for the Junior World Cup in 2025.

The 20-year-old’s path from junior school to this point is an interesting one.

“Trying out hockey was the newest thing for me at the time as no one in my family, I knew of, played,” Padayachee recalled.

“It was only a year later that I discovered that my mom had played back in the day for a Gelvandale team called the Panthers.”

Under the enthusiastic tutelage of coach Eric Jacobs, the young sportsman learnt to enjoy the sport during his primary school years.

“He was an amazing coach who helped me develop a feel for the game,” Padayachee said.

“My enjoyment also came from wanting a new challenge and trying to perfect my skills in a sport. I was a football player at the time.”

The centre-link and left-back added that it became even more fun when his friends, too, started taking up hockey.

The life-changing moment came in Grade 7 when he and a friend were chosen for a programme presented by UTS, a charity that provides opportunities for formerly disadvantaged persons.

“In the middle of that year, United Through Sport formed a hockey team to participate in a tournament at Alexander Road High,” Padayachee said.

Little did they know that the tournament was, in fact, a trial for scholarships to Alex.

Several weeks later, the Gqeberha school phoned his parents to offer him one from 2018.

“This was a major turning point in my life because, at the time, my parents could not afford to send me to a school of that level.

“Being at Alex provided me with a chance to improve my hockey within a good sporting system.”

He quickly slotted into the U14A team before graduating to the first team, which he captained in his matric year in Grade 9.

His journey came full circle when he was named the school’s best senior male player in his final year.

This trail of success translated into a bursary from Mandela University, where the now second-year student is a co-captain of the Madibaz premier league team alongside Zaakir Ensal.

Representing Eastern Province at the national U21 tournament in Johannesburg this April proved to be the doorway to the national team for Padayachee.

Five members of his team were invited to an SA U21 training camp afterwards, following which a squad of 18 were selected for the national team.

“It was held over three days in Pretoria in July and I was the only one from EP named in the squad. It was an extremely proud moment for me.”

Source: Supplied

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Brad Cox has done it! He has gone on to win the World Rally2 Championship in Morocco after a gruelling yet fulfilling race.

Morocco (15 October 2024) – After an exemplary year in MotoSports, South African Brad Cox (26) has achieved his goal after being crowned the World Rally2 Champion in the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, World Rally-Raid Championship last weekend. Brad, who races for BAS World KTM Racing, scored a double whammy by winning the rally and the title in Morocco, snatching the championship from Romain Dumontier (Team Honda) with Konrad Dąbrowski (Duust Rally) coming third.

His exceptional achievement caught the attention of the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, who took to social media to congratulate the young competitor, saying:

“26-year-old South African Bradley Cox has won the World Rally 2 Rally Raid Championship for 2024. This is really fitting because next year we are hosting the big one, W2RC, in SA.”

The Minister is referencing the fact that South Africa is set to host the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) from 18 to 24 May 2025 in North West and Limpopo. The event will feature diverse terrain, with the race route traversing bushveld plateaus, river crossings, and savannah plains in the areas of Sun City, Thabazimbi, and the agricultural heart of North West.

Excitement is mounting for the event following Brad’s impressive win on his new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica – as a privateer rather than a factory rider – which is made even more special by the fact that friend and mentor, Ross Branch (Botswana) won the RallyGP World Championship in Morocco. RallyGP is the top moto class, with riders and manufacturers eligible for the World Championship in FIM rankings. This class is only open to the most experienced competitors while Rally2 is available to any rider not yet considered RallyGP. With his recent victory, Brad will now compete in the next Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class.

Speaking after the event, Brad, who shares his passion for the sport with his father, the ex-KTM factory rider, Alfie Cox, said:

“Coming in I was down eight points and while there was a chance to be champion, really the week had to fall perfectly for me and it did. From the start, I had my goal set and put my head down, knowing that for the next five days I would do whatever it takes to win – and that’s what happened! Every day I got better and better.

“Having the title ‘World Champion’ next to your name is great, and I’m really proud. Proud of the effort it took and the sacrifices to get to this point. It’s not just me, it’s my team, my family, my sponsors…it’s a massive group effort and to have it payoff is amazing. Now we get ready for Dakar. This is a building block and has given me the confidence, and hopefully, Dakar can go as well as this week has!”

Commenting on Brad’s performance, Bart van der Velden, the BAS World KTM Racing Team Manager, said,

“It was great to see that all the training and hard work he’s put in over the last few years has paid off. In the past year-and-a-half, Brad has taken big steps in his navigation and his training. It’s been a lot of effort so everyone in the team is really happy for him. I’m confident in the upcoming Dakar. Morocco was a test – the first outing on the new bike – and we’re all so happy it worked out.”

Earlier this year, Brad competed in the Dakar Rally, which was described as one of the most challenging races on record, where he put on an impressive performance in the Rally2 category, finishing 13th overall in the Bike Category. He was also the only South African to make it to the Top 20 overall in the contest.

Brad was able to compete with the help of generous sponsors who were committed to backing his racing dream. These included Toyota Gazoo Racing, ASP international rope access, Bas World KTM Racing Team, Leader Tread, Trollope Mining, Face First Media, PSlaser Racing, KTM South Africa, Airoh Helmets, Gaerne Boots, Shot Racing, TRP Distributors, 100%, USN, USWE, and Red Bull.

Source: Supplied

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Nicole Hasell, a 23-year-old powerlifting sensation, is smashing records and putting South Africa on the global stage, with 13 national and African records under her belt and a heart set on more.

Pretoria, South Africa (15 October 2024) – South Africans have always been known for their resilience, strength, and ability to rise above challenges. Whether it’s on the rugby field, in the swimming pool, or in a powerlifting arena, we continuously prove we are champions.

And one of these champions is Nicole Hasell, who is not only lifting weights but also lifting the spirits of the entire nation.

At just 23 years old, Nicole has achieved what many only dream of. A powerhouse in the world of powerlifting, she has shattered records and earned a place in the upper echelons of international sport. Since she started competing in 2022, Nicole has set an incredible 3 South African records and a staggering 10 African records, solidifying her place as one of the continent’s top athletes. And Nicole’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. A 5th-year Veterinary Medicine student from Pretoria, she recently returned from competing at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championships in Malta. There, she took home an impressive 4th place in the deadlift and finished 6th overall in the fiercely competitive Juniors U57kg division. Her achievements aren’t just personal wins – they’re victories for South Africa as a whole.

But Nicole’s success didn’t come overnight. She began her athletic journey as a high-performance gymnast before transitioning into weightlifting and CrossFit. It was here that she found her passion for powerlifting, falling in love with the Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. Her personal bests tell the story of her grit and determination: a 425kg total in the gym and 400kg in competition.

Nicole’s potential is undeniable, and with each lift, she shows the world what it means to push boundaries and break barriers. South African athletes like Nicole make us proud. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, their passion for their craft, and their representation of our country on the global stage fill us with immense pride. Nicole is part of a legacy of South African sportspeople who remind us of the strength that comes from hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself.

However, even champions need support. To continue competing internationally and representing South Africa, Nicole relies on the generosity of her community and those who believe in her journey. By supporting Nicole, you’re not just backing a talented athlete – you’re helping her bring glory to South Africa and inspiring the next generation of champions.

If you’d like to help Nicole keep flying the South African flag high, you can visit her website to make a donation: nicolehasell.co.za/donate.

With 13 records under her belt and an unwavering commitment to her sport, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. Let’s continue to rally behind her, ensuring that her journey is filled with the support and encouragement she so richly deserves.

Cheers to Nicole and to many more victories for South Africa!

Sources: Nicole Hasell

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The post South Africa’s Powerlifting Star: Nicole Hasell Shatters 13 Records and Aims for More appeared first on Good Things Guy.