About a week ago, Akani Simbine stole the hearts of South Africa when he broke the South African 100m national record by clocking a blistering 9.96seconds! However, just behind him in the third position in the same race, was compatriot Thando Roto, who will also be seen in action this coming Friday.

Both athletes are in the best shape of their careers and they could easily break the 4X100m relay record as well as the 100m if the weather plays its part. As we transition from speed to speed-and-endurance, we see Tuks’ strong hurdle duo Constant Pretorius and Leroux Hamman possibly finishing in position one and two in the men’s 400m hurdles. Their personal best times of 50 and 51 seconds respectively are lightning-quick for this strenuous one-lap hurdle race.

Another man who’s made his mark in South African athletics is the mighty Javelin thrower Chad Herman, who, if he has a good day, could possibly qualify for this year’s Rio Olympic Games. If not, we can look forward to a throw of over 70 meters and good competition.

Sprinter Tebogo Mamathu, who has been plagued by injuries for the past two years, made a massive comeback when she clocked a very quick 11.40sec 100m, finishing third behind stars Alyssa Conley and Carina Horn. Mamathu is in the shape of her life and if she can go faster on Friday, we might just see her qualify for Rio in her specialist event.

Joining her for the women’s 4X100m relay team and individual 100m and 200m races will be: 11.76sec 100m sprinter Margaret Olwoch, 11.77sec 100m star Simone du Plooy and 11.82sec runner Elzette Buys. This women’s team is undoubtedly the favourite to win the relay event. On the other end of the tunnel, however, Tuks’ 800m runner Anuscha Nice will be lining up as a favourite in her event whilst Stella Marais and Lizerie Ferreira are also two of the favourites to win the women’s 1500m race.

Joining the Tuks army this year is World Youth Olympic 400m hurdles champion Gezelle Magerman who will vying for a World Junior Championship qualifying time and top spot in the women’s 400m hurdle race.
Tuks boasts some of the most in-form athletes in the world and they are ready to fly the Tuks flag high on Friday night. And who knows, a few months down the line, possibly the South African flag too.

Tuks team:

Men: Thando Roto (100m/4X100m), Wally Ungerer (100m/200m/4X100m), Tiaan Smit (100mH/4X100m), Leroux Hamman (400mH/Medley), Constant Pretorius (400mH), Chad Herman (Javelin), Akani Simbine (100m/4X100m), Michael Pienaar (1500m/Medley), Jonathan Bredenkamp (800m/Medley), Fredriech Pretorius (Long Jump/100mH)

Women: Anuscha Nice (400m/Medley), Lizerie ferreira (1500m), Stella Marais (1500m), Tebogo Mamatu (100m/4X100m), Michelle Redelinghuys (800m/Medley), Sonia Smuts (Shot Put), Jeanelle Griesel (400m/Medley), Gezelle Magerman (400mH/Medley), Danielle Carstens (High Jump), Margaret Olwoch (100m/200m/4X100m), Simone du Plooy (100m/200m/4X100m), Elzette Buys (100m/200m/4X100m)