Luvo Manyonga soars to the national title in the men’s long jump during Day -Two of the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships at Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium at the Stellenbosch University on Friday.
Image: Athletics South Africa
Former world champion Luvo Manyonga delivered a stirring reminder of his enduring class, producing a “leap back in time” to headline Day-Two of the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships at Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch on Friday.
Competing in cold and wet conditions, the 35-year-old soared to 8.04m to clinch his first national long jump title in seven years, turning back the clock with a performance that echoed his peak years on the global stage.
It was his first SA crown since 2019, underlining a remarkable resurgence for the Olympic silver medallist whose promising career was derailed by his well-documented struggles with drug addiction.
Manyonga had to dig deep, fending off a strong challenge from Boland teammate Divan Manuel, who claimed silver with 7.95m, while Levi Fick took bronze at 7.32m.
“This means the world to me,” Manyonga said after the win. “You never write off a person’s dream … as long as you’re alive, the dream is still alive. Last year I finished sixth in the final but today I told myself that God gave me this chance, I have to use it."
His triumph provided the emotional high point of the day, but there was plenty more action across the field and track.
Rogail Joseph mastered the wet conditions in Stellenbosch to win her maiden women’s 400m hurdles title.
Image: Athletics South Africa
In the men’s discus, Ryan Williams launched the sphere 55.62m to secure gold, while Matao le Roux cleared 2.05m to take top honours in the high jump.
Zinzi Xulu claimed the women’s triple jump title with a best of 12.90m, and experienced campaigner Leandri Holtzhausen added another national crown in the hammer throw with a 67.70m effort.
Versatile Boland athlete Enya Pooler wrapped up the heptathlon, amassing 5 310 points across the two-day contest to underline her all-round pedigree.
On the track, two new national champions emerged in the 400m hurdles. Wernich van Rensburg surged to victory in the men’s race in 50.05, edging former champion Lindukuhle Gora (50.26), while Olympic semifinalist Rogail Joseph dominated the women’s final in 55.94 ahead of Hannah van Niekerk (56.70).
After two days of competition, Athletics Gauteng North maintained their lead on the medal table with 18 medals, ahead of Athletics Central North West and Central Gauteng Athletics.
But on a rain-soaked evening in Stellenbosch, the spotlight belonged firmly to Manyonga.