THE fifth edition of the Athletic Namibia (AN) 2024 Grand Prix series at Oshakati Independence Stadium on Saturday lived up to expectations, the organisers said yesterday.

The event saw more than 20 clubs and about 200 athletes competing for honours. The competition also served as the qualifier for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games, as well as other prestigious competitions scheduled for this year.

Speaking to this publication yesterday, Erwin Naimhwaka, the president of AN, expressed satisfaction with the event, noting the emergence of raw talent showcasing their skills. He praised the athletes who participated, acknowledging the abundance of potential in the country, and advocating more platforms to be made available to aspiring athletes.

“It’s one of the most competitive series so far. Clubs from all parts of the country tried their best to participate in this event. 

We witnessed several talented athletes who are eager to get opportunities. Our focus now is to ensure more talent gets exposed to various events. Overall, I believe this event lived up to expectations,” he said.

Highlighting some important races, in the women’s 200m, Jade Nangula from the University of Namibia Athletic Club dominated with an impressive time of 25.30 seconds, followed by Hanganeni Fikunawa from Nust Welwitschia with a time of 26.34, and Julie-Ann Schuster (UNAC) in third place with 26.45.

In the men’s 200m, Gift Masahu from Quinton Steel Botes Athletic Club won with a time of 23.14, followed by Tjatjitua from Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) with 23.37, and Sebastian Nyambe from NUST Welwitschia in third place with 23.46.

Elvis Gaseb from Dome Athletic Academy dominated the men’s 100m with a time of 10.41, followed by Hatago Murere with 10.67, and Elton Haoseb in third place with 10.81. In the women’s 100m, Ndawana Haitembu continued her impressive performance with a time of 11.65, followed by Johanna Ludgerus with 12.18, and Hanganeni in third place with 12.36.