Benjamin Richardson is tall, genuinely fast but that is not all, the 18-year-old is also a double South African champion.

In the past few days, the TuksSport High School learner-athlete won the under-20 men's 100m (10.41s) and 200m races (20.97s). He did so during the South African Track & Field U16 – U20 Championships in Paarl. 

What is exciting is that the Tuks-athlete is capable of being even faster. During the recent Gauteng North Championships, he proved it when he won the 100 metres in 10.31s and the 200 metres in 20.65s. Also, winning a bronze medal in the 4x100m relays.

This past weekend, he picked up a silver medal in the men's 200m final with a time of 20.77s at the ASA Senior Track & Field National Championships in Pretoria.

Locally, only Akani Simbine (9.99s) and Gift Leotlela (10.20s) had officially run faster times over 100 metres (not wind-affected), while in the 200 metres, Luxolo Adams (20.34s) and Wayde van Niekerk (20.62s) had been quicker.

For now, the "big man" is not worried about testing himself against South Africa's best. It is a case of first things first. He knows he needs to be faster. It may be hard to believe, but Richardson was not considered a good enough sprinter a few years back. So he played rugby and cricket as well. Pure speed, however, is the thing that always gets his adrenaline pumping. That is why he chose athletics. 

For the record, Richardson is 1.90 metres tall and weighs 86kg. The 200 metres is Richardson's favourite event. 

"I am not always the fastest out of the starting blocks. Usually, I only start to catch up after 50 metres. That is why I prefer the longer sprint."

When it comes to role models, Richardson is his own man. 

"I do take note of what is happening in international sprinting and athletics, but I don't try and emulate anyone. In the end, it about what I can do and how hungry I am to achieve my goals." 

According to Paul Gorries, who coaches Richardson, he is a raw talent. 

"He has only recently joined the 'program'. So there is still a lot of work to be done. His start is actually not too bad for someone his size. The problem is that it is not consistent. He gets it right in one out of three races."

The TuksSport High School athletes won five gold medals, two silver medals and six bronze medals at the SA Age Groups Champs.

Viwe Jingqi is the other TuksSport High School learner who won two gold medals. She was victorious in the women's under-18 100m (12.12s) and 200m (24.24s).

The other athlete to win gold was Sanele Zixunge (men's under-18- 3000m). 

Olwethu Mncibi (under-16 boys- 5km walk) and Karabelo Motlhabedi (under-18 boys - 800m) won silver medals.

Mpho Moleofsa (under-18 boys -800m), Rivers Williams (under-18 boys - 10km), Thato Matlala under-18 boys - 400m), Sisanda Ntuli (under-16 boys - 1500m-steeplechase), Reaobaka Matshitshe (under-16 girls - 200m) and Maphule Makgotha (under-20 girls -10km walk) won bronze medals.