Kuhn kicks off season with shot put record

Athletics Namibia’s season kicked off the new year when it hosted Leg 1 of its Grand Prix series in Swakopmund on Saturday.About 150 athletes competed in various track and field events, with a notable achievement by shot put athlete Coenraad Kuhn, who set a new national record of 18.09 metres.Kuhn, who turns 23 on 13 February, stepped into the limelight in February last year when he broke Derrek Wiggill’s national record that had stood for more than five decades at 17.10 metres since 19 April 1969.Kuhn improved his Namibian record to 17.65 metres in the shot put final at the African senior continental track and field championship in Douala, Cameroon in June last year, where he finished sixth.On Saturday, the athlete explained that they had been working hard at achieving their target of exceeding 18 metres.“Coach Henk Botha and I are considering a trip to Europe later in the year. We don't have specific dates or everything finalized yet, but it’s still early in the year,” Kuhn said.Bethold Karumendu, the event organiser, expressed his excitement about Kuhn’s new national record.“It's a good start for us, for the season, to have this kind of performance in field events. The year is very long, and the road to the senior world championship in Tokyo in September is also long. “Kicking off the season on a high note with a national-level record is a great start for athletics, also to inspire others.”He added that there were fewer entries for the first leg event.“We are looking forward to more entries for the leg in Windhoek. Transport challenges make it difficult for clubs to attend, especially from the northern regions. We hope for better participation as the legs continue in Windhoek and Rietfontein, and then back to Swakopmund in February before heading to the north on the 1st of March.”High jumpersDuring the men’s high jump, Anana Samantu made his comeback after nearly two years, clearing a height of 2.0 metres.“My coach and I agreed that as long as I cleared two metres, there was room for improvement. I'm just happy I got over two metres,” Samantu said.He explained that he is on the comeback trail after he suffered an ACL tear in a long jump competition.“I rushed my recovery, which worsened the injury and kept me out for two years. I changed clubs and coaches, and we're still focusing on my recovery. I’ll be strictly concentrating on the high jump.”Samantu added that he has a busy year ahead.“I’m planning to focus on external competitions. My next event will likely be the second leg in Windhoek.”&bull; Notably, 14-year-old Anro Bouwer competed in the high jump alongside older athletes. The coastal prodigy managed to clear 1.85 metres.“I’m currently training for the Youth Olympics. I’m aiming to reach 2.05 metres or 2.10 metres by December. Training is going well. Coach says it’s possible, but competing against older athletes will be tough.”Notable resultsOlympian Beatrice Masilingi also participated in the 100-metre sprint, comfortably outsprinting Ndawana Haitembu for the win (11.4 against 11.8). Last year’s African continental silver medallist Chenoult Lionel Coetzee won the men’s long jump at 7.37 metres – still some way off his national record 18.27.Coetzee also won the men’s 100 in 10.4 seconds ahead of Daniel Katueke (10.6) and Elvis Gaseb (10.7).Marike Weitz (43.15 m) beat Karlien Botha (40.79) in the women’s discus throw.In a dramatic men’s 400, Ezra Nakale narrowly beat Elton Hoeseb in a photo finish with both awarded the identical time of 47.47 seconds.Team scoresAfter 18 events on the day, QSB athletics club took the lead by accumulating 73 points ahead of the local Athletics Development Club (69), Oshana Nampol (66), Namibia Correctional Services (62), Tsire AC (62), Unam AC (50) and Windhoek Gymnasium AC (46).Junior tourEdward Kapewasha, head coach of Ohangwena Athletics Club, shared that a team of 19 athletes (aged 15–19) from Ohangwena, Omaheke, Hardap, Karas, and Erongo will soon travel to South Africa.“This is to compete in the Curro Podium Grand Finale on 5 February. This competition features top South African school athletes and serves as a qualifier for major events like the Youth Olympics and Region 5 Games in July. “We aim to supplement the competitions offered by Athletics Namibia and the ministry. With limited local competitions, we’re working hard to bridge the gap.”Kapewasha said transportation assistance has been secured through the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, but funding for accommodation (approximately N$24 000) is still needed.“We appeal to corporates and individuals to assist in any way they can. This is all to give our athletes opportunities to compete, improve rankings, and qualify for major competitions.”The athletes are: Immanuel Saima, Nauyoma Wilka, Kalola Elizabeth, Nghifidwako Johana, Kandjebo Monika, Haindongo Saara, Hailulu Linda, Kambiri Kazaatjo, Javarua Hakuira, Pena Esmela Bonita, Kambonde Sophia, Mihescho Mouton, Caleb Bessinger, Erastus Ndilimeke, Zasha Steenkamp, Thersuan Haack, Catelyn de Groot, Mushongo Sara and Mwahalukange Wilmina, along with seven officials.Coach Kapewasha can be contacted at 081 861 3146.

Kuhn kicks off season with shot put record

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