Pietrouisti podiums at provincials
Matthew Pietrouisti fought hard and smart to finish third in a competitive U11 to U13 boys' mile at the CGA 21km, 5km and mile championships at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec on June 14.
Bohang Qhoaisa of Mamepe Striders won the 1.6km race in 05:04, while Boxer's Philani Luthuli was three seconds off the pace after crossing the line in 05:07. Pietrouisti secured the bronze medal with a time of 05:10, rounding off the top three.
Pietrouisti's podium finish was a result of sheer determination and a strong desire to push his limits. He has been performing well recently, and this result follows his first victory of the current CGA cross-country season, where he won the U12 boys' 4km race at the third league meeting in Dobsonville.
Speaking to the Benoni City Times after the race, the Farrarmere Primary learner said the race was an opportunity to raise his profile and gain recognition.
'I am always up for new challenges and experiences – an opportunity to put my name out there and be seen. That's what I hoped for on Saturday, and I'm happy with the result,' he said.
Reflecting on the race, the youngster told the paper he learned valuable lessons that will help him in the future.
'It is a completely different race from cross-country, and I need to change my strategy. But I am always up for it. I have my goals, am determined, and am working hard this season.'
Meanwhile, East Athletic Club's (EAC) Mahlatse Mamonyane won the U11to U13 girls' mile. The Daveyton resident clocked 05:34 to beat Mia van Huyssteen and Megan Roberts.
Huyssteen completed the race in 05:41, while Roberts, of the Brakpan club Irun AC, followed a second later to claim the bronze.
In other results, Bennett Seloyi and Lebo Phalula-Mzazi won the men's and women's half marathons, while Andries Sesedi and Megan Roome clinched the senior men's and women's 5km titles.Junior Noah and Tshenolo Sebueng won the juniors' 5km events.
Zanele Maisa, from KwaThema, and Olympian Ryan Mphahlele won the senior women's and men's miles.
Tebogo Matsimela, Keegan Coetzee, Hanri Pretorius, and Boipelo Maroga won the junior men's and women's miles, as well as the U14 to U16 boys' and girls' miles, respectively.
Also Read: CGA celebrates athletes for raising the bar at nationals
Also Read: Local athletes to watch in the CGA cross-country season
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