Sinesipho Dambile stunned SA record holder Clarence Munyai to take the national men’s 200m title on the final day of action at the SA Championships in Cape Town.
Munyai had run a speedy wind-assisted 20.03 seconds in the semifinals on Friday but was outgunned down the home straight by 20-year-old Dambile, who took the title in 20.55 seconds. Munyai had to settle for silver in 20.63.
“It was difficult because Clarence went out very fast on that curve but ultimately I didn’t give up. I wanted to win the championship because I was feeling sick yesterday. But today I came back with the heart of a champion,” said an elated Dambile.
It was an emotional victory for women’s 200m winner Banele Shigangu, who took the title in a time of 23.92.
“I feel so amazing, I’m overwhelmed. I actually didn’t think I was going to make it. I just told myself whatever happens, I’m coming back with a medal, no matter which medal. But I guess the gold medal was calling my name, I’m so happy,” said Shabangu afterwards.
Meanwhile, Wenda Nel bade farewell to the SA Athletics Championships with the defending 400m hurdles champion handing over the baton to young challenger Zeney van der Walt.
The 33-year-old was gunning for a 10th national title before hanging up her spikes at the end of this season, but Van der Walt powered to the front as the duo battled down the home straight, taking the gold in 55.75. Nel was second in 56.08.
“It’s such an honour to run, especially with Wenda. She’s such a great person and great athlete and it’s always nice to run and fight and this is what we did today,” Van der Walt said of the two-time Olympian who claiming bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
It was another rising star who took the men’s 400m hurdles title. Sokwakhana "Soks" Zazini powered to an emphatic first senior title in 49.84 seconds.
“I’m super-happy, this is my first senior title and I’m looking forward to getting more,” said Zazini.
“I want to dominate for the next 10 years. I want to be unbeaten in the coming years so we have to work on that.”
Prudence Sekgodiso completed a middle distance double by adding the 800m crown to her 1500m title from Friday, winning the race in 2:03.31.
Tshepo Tshite took the men’s 800m title in 1:49.18.
Elsewhere, paced for the first 6km by coach and training partner Caster Semenya, Glenrose Xaba produced a huge personal best in the 10 000m to become a five-time national champion. She crossed the line almost 15 seconds clear of silver medallist Cian Oldknow in 32:31.49.
“Thank you to my coach and training partner. She helped me a lot. Usually I am running alone but she decided to help me today so I just thank her,” said Xaba.
“It means a lot to me. I was always winning the 10 000 but always in a bit of a slow time but now I ran a personal best which shows that I’m working very hard and my coach is working very well.”
The men’s 5000m title was claimed by defending champion Precious Mashele in 13:39.92
It was Zakithi Nene who took top honours in the men’s 400m, crossing the line in 45.51.
It wasn’t until the home straight that Deline Mpiti pulled away from Precious Molepo in the women’s 400m final, crossing the line in 52.82 seconds.
“I’m really happy. I just have to go back to the drawing board and work on a few little things before we get back on the track again.”
In the absence of defending champion and world championship bronze medallist Ruswahl Samaai, the men’s long jump title went to Jovan van Vuuren, who took gold with a final-round leap of 8.04m, edging out silver medallist Cheswill Johnson by 2cm.
Ischke Senekal took women’s shot put gold with a fourth-round heave of 16.23m while Jo-Ane van Dyk took the javelin title with a second-round effort of 58.30m.
Alan Cumming claimed top honours in the men’s hammer with a best distance of 70.74m in the third round while Valco van Wyk took the men’s pole vault title with a clearance of 5m.
Earlier in the day, it was Olympian Wayne Snyman who took a comfortable victory in the men’s 20km walk in 1:28.46 while Marissa Swanepoel was completely dominant in winning the women’s race by over 15 minutes in 1:44.28.