At the 2025 ASA Grand Prix 1 in Tshwane, South African athletes excelled, breaking two national records: Leandri Holtzhausen in women’s hammer throw with 67.95m and the women’s 4x400m relay team with a time of 3:28.30. Other standout performances included Karabo Letebele in the men’s 100m and Prudence Sekgodiso in the women’s 800m.
The 2025 ASA Grand Prix 1 held at Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane showcased outstanding performances from South African athletes, resulting in two national records being broken. Leandri Holtzhausen made headlines with a remarkable women’s hammer throw of 67.95 metres, surpassing her previous record of 66.54m from last month. Holtzhausen expressed confidence, stating, “I definitely feel I can go close to 70 metres.”
In another event, the women’s 4x400m relay team shattered the previous South African record of 3:28.49, clocking in at 3:28.30. The relay team members included Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Marlie Viljoen, and Zeney Geldenhuys, who collectively performed exceptionally well, breaking a nine-year-old record set by renowned athletes.
Noteworthy individual performances included 18-year-old Karabo Letebele winning the men’s 100m race with a time of 10.19 seconds, tying with veteran Emile Erasmus, but securing victory on countback. Letebele commented, “I didn’t expect to beat him (Omanyala).” Also, Prudence Sekgodiso emerged victorious in the women’s 800m, finishing in 1:59.01, ahead of Botswana’s Oratile Nowe.
Marione Fourie impressed in the women’s 100m hurdles, securing victory with a world-leading time of 12.77 seconds. Both Sekgodiso and Fourie are gearing up for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in China. Other highlights included Bayapo Ndori winning the men’s 400m in 44.59 seconds, and Aiden Smith achieving 20.73m in the men’s shot put.
James Moloi, President of Athletics South Africa, expressed joy over the performances, emphasizing the excitement of witnessing numerous national records broken. He stated, “I’m struggling to hold my excitement at the rate our athletes are breaking national records this early in the season.”
The event served as a promising start to the South African outdoor track and field season, with significant achievements that athletes can aspire to surpass.
The 2025 ASA Grand Prix 1 highlighted exceptional talent among South African athletes with significant national records being set in both the women’s hammer throw and the 4x400m relay. Athletes like Leandri Holtzhausen and the women’s relay team have raised the bar, while younger competitors such as Karabo Letebele have shown remarkable potential. The event not only showcased individual brilliance but also set an exciting tone for the upcoming season.
Original Source: www.athletics.africa
