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Nuhaa Van Niekerk, 11, a Grade 6 pupil at Parkhurst Primary School in Westridge, booked her spot at next week’s national primary schools championships, in Germiston, following a fine performance in the girls’ under-12 100m finals, at Western Cape championships, at Dal Josefat Stadium, in Paarl, on Saturday March 8.

With temperatures reaching 30°C, the only thing more scorching than the blazing sun was the action on the track. Nuhaa dominated the 100m event, winning all her races throughout the day, except the 150m finals in which she crossed the finish line in a tight second place. However, coach Paul Jacobus is not too concerned, saying it’s more important to enjoy races than winning.

“Look, she's only at the beginning phases of her development as an athlete,” said Jacobus, founder of Elite Athletes Academy, who has helped a number of athletes from the school and in the northern suburbs, where the Academy is based, to reach WP, Western Cape and national levels.

“I believe kids need no stress in their lives, as they are still too young to fully understand the stress factors of life,” he said.

“As far as Nuhaa is concerned, she is very talented and gifted in doing sports, but her real strength is her willingness to learn and she has strong will power,” said Jacobs.

“She did very well last year, even though she didn't medal at nationals, but we hope to medal this year, God willing,” he said.

Parkhurst Primary sports coach Janice Alexander agrees, saying that with her personality, character and potential, she can achieve greater things.

“Sports is meant for everyone, girls can achieve what boys can. It gives them the confidence and it can enhance greater opportunities,” said Alexander, who has known the promising speedster from when she first started at the school, seven years ago.

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