Training Camp and Open Athletics Championships on track

Athletics
A record number of athletes are expected to compete at this year's edition of the Open Athletics Championship in Swakopmund.
Otis Daniels
  • 1 Month Ago 13 November 2024
The annually hosted Training Camp and Open Athletics Championships, a premier event organised by the Athletics Development Club, is set to elevate athletic standards across Southern Africa.

This year’s event will be hosted in Swakopmund, with the training camp scheduled for December 17-18, followed by the championships from December 19-21, 2024. It promises to be an electrifying showcase of athletic talent, with the potential for record-breaking performances and new opportunities for collaboration across Southern Africa.

“The online entries are going well, with 200 athletes from all regions of the country already registered. We expect to exceed the record of 600 entries,” said Hennie Horn, coach and president of the Athletics Development Club.

Top Coaches

The two-day training camp will feature top coaching talent from Namibia and South Africa, focused on preparing athletes for the dynamic 2025 competitive season.

Coaches will work together to hone athletes’ skills for upcoming challenges, including zonals, regionals, NSSU nationals, region 5, African games (U18 and U20), the AN grand prix series, Curo podium, NWU top 30, and the 2026 Youth Olympic games.

“This year’s South African coaching contingent is impressive, featuring Janita Eva (Shotput/Discus), with 25 years of coaching experience. She will be joined by Collette Uys (Shotput/Discus), the holder of a personal best of 64.31m in Hammer Throw and 16.58m in Shotput, with significant national achievements; Danny Damon (Javelin); and Ebarnie Cilliers (Middle/Long Distance Running),” Horn announced.

Top-class South African coaches such as Teo Senekal, Dirk Janse van Rensburg, and Madrè Haasbroek will also be in attendance to offer valuable input. The Namibian coaching team includes Chrislene Klein (Hurdles), Mina du Plessis (Sprints), Gerrie Kok (Long Jump), and Hennie Horn (High Jump and Pole Vault), who bring their expertise to elevate local talent.

Targeting Records

Horn emphasised that local athletes will strive not only to break Namibian age group records but also to challenge South African school records, known for their world-class standard. “Two young Namibian stars, Juwan Kok (6) and Stefan Strydom (10 and 11), will aim to set new international age group records in their respective events,” he said.

According to Horn, the South African competitors are serious about going for gold at the competition. “They have announced a team of 34 top athletes, including South African national champions, who are capable of setting the track on fire and wreaking havoc in the field events,” he said.

The championships will also introduce special sessions for Pole Vault, Steeplechase, and Race Walking, ensuring a well-rounded competitive experience for all participants. Horn highlighted that the event is nearing sanctioning status for Para-Athletes, enhancing opportunities for disabled athletes to qualify for other major competitions. “This means that all results will count toward other qualifications. We have already received a permit from Athletics Namibia and are confident that we can pull this off with the support of Paralympics Namibia.”

Horn thanked Footworx (Main Sponsor), Hendeca Machinery Namibia, The Oosthuizen Group, OHB Engineering, and Rent-A-Mess, whose support, he said, will make the event possible and a success. For more information on this landmark event, contact The Athletics Development Club at 081-2939987 or visit the club’s Facebook page.