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Records fell on the opening day of the track-and-field competition at the Nedbank National Championships for the Physically Disabled in Johannesburg yesterday.
South African Ilse Hayes and visiting German athlete Irmgard Bensusan were at the fore as they broke an African and world record respectively.
Hayes, a Paralympic veteran, broke the African record in the women’s T13 200m sprint. The five-time Paralympic medallist crossed the line in a time of 24.79, a full two seconds ahead of team mate Johanna Pretorius.
Bensusan on the other hand took first place and created a new world record in the women’s T44 200m event, with a time of 26.64.
Ilse chats to SABC Sport after her victory:
[audio mp3="http://www.citypress.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/1_apr_hayes_new_record.mp3"][/audio]
Free State athlete Dineo Mokhosoa won the women’s T36 long jump with a leap of 2.51m, setting a new African record, while North West’s newest star Liezel Gouws set a new global mark in her age category, clocking 2:42.39 to win the youth girls’ T37 800m event.
Another African record was smashed in the sub-youth category as Ntando Mahlangu ran a 13.20 in the T42 100m sprint.
Six South African records were also knocked from their perch in the open division – Jan van Staden (men F46 javelin throw, 43.57m), Adeo Breet (men F33 shot put, 6.30m), Carley Lomax (women T12 200m, 29.21), Eugene Klaasen (men T53 200m event, 31.86), Zandile Nhlapo (women F34 javelin throw, 13.84m) and Reinhardt Hamman (men F38 discus, 39.93).
The national championships began on Thursday, with Paralympic gold medallist Natalie du Toit motivating and encouraging the athletes.
“When I lost my leg through an accident, it was no longer about being put in a box, but rather about achieving my dreams,” she said.
The championships head into their final day tomorrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HcEtS_0MUw
