Pinehas K Pinehas
Athletics Namibia hosted the Age Group Championships on Saturday at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
The event showcased talented youth who, with more exposure avenues, have the potential to reach greater heights.
This publication engaged Athletics Namibia’s secretary general Madeleine Kotze.
She said the event serves as good motivation for athletes to thrive in their athletics careers.
“This is the first time in many years that we are hosting this event. The reason for this is that our youth and junior athletes usually have to compete against senior athletes,” Kotze said.
This highlighted the gap in the system, where younger athletes would have to compete against senior and more experienced athletes. ‘
This is bound to hinder the athlete’s confidence and, inevitably, their development.
She stated that the initiative provides a better platform for the athletes and serves as motivation. She added that, when athletes compete and succeed within their own age group, it builds confidence and encourages further development.
With the fair and balanced platform created for junior and youth athletes to compete within their own level, they are allowed an opportunity to build their confidence as athletes, boosting motivation and their overall growth as athletes.
Eustace Springbok (19), who dominated the men’s U/23 400m race, coming up in first place as well as taking second in the 200m race category, shared his childhood dream of making it to the Olympics sometime in the future.
“The competition was very tense, with a lot of competitors out there. This is not the end for me. I’ve been doing athletics since I was a child, and I’ve always wanted to see myself at the Olympics. That’s where my next stop is,” the Springbok expressed.
Javelin thrower Moses Kawana (21) participated in the U/23 javelin throw category, scooping first place.
He said he would love to make history one day and break records just like every other great athlete who got to set and break records.
Bringing the Namibian child’s dream to life through sporting events such as these brightens the prospect of young emerging athletes having the potential to become top-level professionals in the future.