byAlfonz Juck
Caster Semenya, photo by PhotoRun.net
Luvo Manyonga, photo by PhotoRun.netSemenya 1:57.80 WL, Manyonga 841w
PRETORIA (RSA, Mar 17): World and Olympic champion Caster Semenya ran virtually in her own race in the 800 m on last day of the South African Championships. Her time of 1:57.80 is a world lead, the quickest ever time in March and gave her victory by more than eight seconds. The highest-class event, though, was the men’s long jump, in which world champion Luvo Manyonga landed at 8.41m (+2.1) to beat world bronze medallist Ruswahl Samaai (821, +1.7). Zarck Visser was third with 807 (+1.7). In the absence of Clarence Munyai, who ran a sensational 19.69 in the semi-final yesterday, Luxulo Adams broke his PB by 0.31, running 20.08 (+1.8). Thando Dlodlo was second in 20.41 and Roscoe Engel third 20.44. Justine Palframan won a sprint double, clocking 22.97 in the 200m to beat Tamzin Thomas (23.12) into second. In the 400m, she was also near her PB as her 51.31 put her more than two second clear. Wenda Nel won the 400m hurdles in 55.01, but also of note was the national junior record of 55.05 for runner-up Zeney van der Walt. Other wins included: Tshepo Tshite (1:46.04 in the 800m), Peter Conradie (45.55 in the 400m) and Lindsey Hanekom (49.17 in the 400m hurdles) ahead of World U18 Champion Zazini Sokhawkhana 49.42 PB.
