Two titles and a world qualification will be driving rising sprinter Benjamin Richardson at the ASA U16, U18 (Youth), and U20 (Junior) Track and Field Championships at NWU McArthur Athletics Stadium in Potchefstroom from 30 March to 2 April.
At the national championship, the lanky 18 year-old Tshwane-based sprinter is gunning for the men’s 100m and 200m titles, with an eye set on qualifier for this year’s World U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, from 1-6 August.
“The plan is to qualify for the world championships in the 100m and 200m, and also try to win a medal,” said Richardson, a member of the 4 x 100m world record breaking team during the 18th edition of the World U20 Championships in Kenya last year.
“I run in the juniors to win titles and in the seniors to gain experience and run fast times. To qualify for the world juniors, I have to win one of my two events, but I aim to win both.”
Richardson warmed up for the national championship with an impressive performance in the second leg of the ASA Athletics Grand Prix Series at Green Point Athletics Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday, 22 March.
He clocked 20.08 seconds to win the senior men's final in windy conditions, where he pipped Theodore Young (21.11) at the finish line in a photo finish that kept the crowds on their feet.
He had immediately dedicated his gold medal to his grandmother who raised him while his parents worked in London.
“It feels good to have won, but I am not happy with my time in Cape Town. I wanted to run a sub 21, but the conditions did not allow and it was hard to race against the wind. It was a close race, but luckily I held out for the win. I want to get used to this feeling.”
Richardson wants to push for faster times in the 100m and 200m this season, and in April, his wishes may just come true. He will be racing against top sprinters at the ASA Senior T&F National Championships (20-23 April) at Green Point Athletics Stadium, in Cape Town.
“I want to run the 100m against Akani Simbine and other big names to test myself in the senior race. Hopefully, I will run a fast time there and give them a run for their money. Next year, I am moving into the senior ranks, so I’m using this season as part of my preparation.”
Richardson is a first-year town planning student at the University of Pretoria and is coached by national relay coach, Paul Gorries.