Chase and Brinkmann set the pace for Africa

Two outstanding talents delivered exciting news from the Africa Junior Triathlon Championships in El Galala, Egypt, on Friday morning.

Namibia had a historic day with both Maja Brinkmann and Nathan Chase winning gold in their respective junior races – and very likely securing their spots to more major international competitions.

Brinkmann also won the African junior title back in 2023, so to see her reclaim the title shows real consistency at continental level. Her previous achievements also include a bronze meal at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Tobago.

Chase has been on the continental podium in previous years, but this is his first African junior title — and to achieve it at the same championship as Brinkmann makes it even more special for Namibia.

Chase already proved his credentials at international level with his silver medal at the Xterra World Championships in Molveno, Italy in September last year.

As a road cyclist, Chase’s first champion jersey in the individual time trial at the Nedbank Namibia Cycling Federation national championship on Friday 5 February was also a significant breakthrough and achievement.

Speaking at the finish line on Friday, Chase said: “I had a really good race. The conditions were a bit difficult this morning; we woke up and it was super windy. Things were being blown around which led to a delayed start.

“Once we started the swim I didn’t actually feel great. I was hoping to stick to the front guys, but they got a gap so I was out the water in fourth place. But then luckily I had a decent transition onto the bike and felt good to start powering immediately.

“I was with a Tunisian guy in the chase group behind the two South Africans. We caught them after two laps. The Tunisian did not want to work with us, so we attacked and dropped him. I then launched two more attacks before managing to drop the South Africans and go solo at the front.

“During the last bike lap I just tried to keep up the effort consistent to save energy for the run. I had a pretty good run, even though the wind made it hard, but I managed to have a solid pace and keep the lead ahead of them.”

‘We all put hours in’

In contrast, Brinkmann led throughout in a race she described as “really hard, start to finish” against mainly South African and Egyptian challengers.

“Strong swim, strong bike, best run I’ve had in a while, so I’m really happy with my race today, it was really great. Lots of people to thank including my coach who is here. Gym coach, swim coach ... it’s not just my work, it’s everyone’s work, we all put hours into this.

“I’m really happy to come home with the gold and I really appreciate everything everyone does at home, like my family.

“I’m really happy for Nathanand really happy that we could both bring back the gold. It’s so special and quite surreal that Namibia as such a small federation could pull this off.

Proud coach

Adelé de la Rey, who accompanied the team as coach on behalf of the Namibia Triathlon Federation, said: “We took seven junior athletes to the championships, which is significant for a small sport like triathlon in Namibia. Since 2023, the Namibia Triathlon Federation has placed strong focus on junior and youth development, and these results really show that the work is paying off.

“Both Maja and Nathan will represent Namibia at the World Championships later this year.

“As coach, I am incredibly proud of the entire team — not just the medal winners. Every athlete who raced has worked extremely hard. To stand at the finish line and watch them perform at their best reminds one why you do this. The reward is much bigger than just the medals.

“Among the seven Namibian athletes are five who will be eligible in age as contenders for qualifiation for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games to be held in Dakar, Senegal (31 October to 13 November).

“This weekend’s championship in Egypt presented the last event for African athletes to try and secure a slot for their country.”

The NTF declared on its social media: “Every athlete represented Namibia with pride, courage and determination. These results reflect the commitment and hard work invested into junior and youth development over the past few years.

“A special congratulations to our national coach, Adele de la Rey, for her leadership, dedication and continued belief in developing young talent in Namibia.This is more than medals — this is progress, structure and the future of Namibian triathlon.”

FINAL RESULTS

Junior women (swim 750 m / cycle 20 km / run 5 km), 23 starters

1 Maja Brinkmann (Namibia) one hour 07 minutes 01 second.

2 Taylor Foster (South Africa) 1:07:24.

3 Fathy Joudy (Egypt) 01:08:35.

4 Lomé Gouws (South Africa) 1:10:11.

12 Jana Mutschler (Namibia) 1:19:24.

13 Kyra Marshall (Namibia) 1:19:30.

Junior men (swim 750 m / cycle 20 km / run 5 km), 47 starters

1 Nathan Chase(Namibia) 58 minutes 34 seconds.

2 Antony Clayton (South Africa) 59:04

3 Oliver Delport (South Africa) 59:38

4 Nicholas Horn (South Africa) 59:56

13 James Langford (Namibia) 1:03:50

19 Matt Reece Izaaks (Namibia) 1:04:49

35 Fynn Middleton (Namibia) 1:09:40