Namibia: Namibia's young athletes produced stellar performances at the Southern African Confederation Athletics (SACA) Under-18 and U-20 championships staged at C´te d'Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius over the weekend. All the country's athletes scooped medals including six gold, nine silver, and one bronze from the prestigious athletics event.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Meriam Minin, Team Namibia head of delegation, stated in an interview that all 13 athletes returned home with medals due to their impressive performance. Minin attributed the athletes' outstanding performance to their hard work and dedication. She noted that most of them are schooling and participated in the nationals, deserving credit for pushing themselves amid challenges.

Minin also called on the government and corporate world to assist these young athletes, emphasizing the difficulty they face without support. She highlighted that many athletes are on their own, which makes their journey challenging.

Among the gold winners were Alexandra Scheepers and Anro Bouwer in the high jump U-18 category, while Maria Kanyange emerged as the winner in the 1,500m U-20 age group and also clinched gold in the U-20 800m sprint. Matt-Reece Izaaks won gold in the U-18 1,500m category, and Christo van Rooyen claimed gold in the 400m hurdle in the U-18 group.

Silver medallists included L'Wyk Viljoen in the shot put U-18 age group and Ruano de Carvalho in the 100m U-20 category. Kazaatjo Kambiri took silver in the 400m (U-20), and Ovaua Katjiuongua came second in both the 400m and 200m sprints U-18. Halleluya Kaulinge earned silver in the high jump U-20 group, while Joco Potgieter in the U-20 400m hurdles and Matt-Reece Izaaks in the U-20 800m sprint also received silver medals.

A highlight of the event was the U-18 boys medley relay team comprising Mihescho Mouton, Algezano van Wyk, Matt-Reece Izaaks, and Christo van Rooyen, who scooped silver. Namibia's bronze medal was won by Jaco Potgieter in the U-20 110m hurdles.

Meanwhile, Ruano de Carvalho secured qualification for the World Athletics U-20 Championships set for the United States later this year following his impressive performance in the 100m.