North-West University (NWU) athletes delivered medal performances at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships after managing tactical races, injuries and recovery during the national university competition.

NWU athlete Andrea Steynberg earned bronze in the women’s 800 m final after moving up from sixth position in the closing stages of the race.

Andrea said strong winds affected conditions and forced her to approach the race tactically instead of focusing on pace. “I knew I wasn’t the fastest in the race and decided to run more of a tactical race,” she said.

She added that she relied on positioning and timing during the final stretch after already having competed in relay and 1 500 m events earlier in the competition.

“The last 180 m made a big difference in my result,” said Andrea. “I was about sixth with 200 m to go and had to give it my all in the last part of the race to make the podium.”

Andrea said the medal marked an important result in her first appearance at the championships. She now aims to compete in Europe and target selection for the Junior World Championships in the United States in August.

Sprinter Mihlali Xotyeni also secured a medal, despite entering the championships after having recovered from injury and completing only two weeks of training.

Mihlali said preparation focused on mental readiness after uncertainty around his physical condition before the event. “The only strategy my coach and I had was to make sure that I start fast and do not panic at all, no matter what happens,” said Mihlali.

He said he found another level in the closing metres of the race. “At the last 50 m I felt that I had another gear in me, so I pushed through it all,” he said.

Mihlali described the medal as confirmation that his training programme is moving in the right direction and said his next goal is to remain healthy and qualify for more championships.

Middle-distance runner and track athlete Werner Gouws won bronze in his first race at USSA. He said training consistency, endurance work, speed sessions, mental preparation, and support from coaches and teammates contributed to the result, while his focus remains on improving his personal best times and competing at a higher level in future competitions.

“This bronze medal reflects the progress I have made through consistency and hard work. It was my first USSA race, and I am proud to represent my university,” he said.

In the field events, Welre Oliver won gold in the men’s triple jump less than a year after he had undergone back surgery.

Welre said the competition was decided on the final jumps after he moved from second place into the lead with his last attempt.

“I knew I had a big enough jump to put me in the lead,” he said, adding that he only felt relief after the final competitors had completed their jumps and the result was confirmed.

The gold medal came during only his second triple jump competition of the season as his focus had shifted to long jump earlier in the year.

“I didn’t train for it, I didn’t prepare for it,” Welre said. “I had to jump from a shorter approach to minimise the impact and hoped I had enough experience from previous years.”

He said his recovery from surgery had created a mental challenge ahead of competing again on the national stage. He added that he still has opportunities to qualify for the Commonwealth Games later this season.

Andrea Steynberg, women’s 800 m final

Welre Oliver, men’s triples jump final

Mihlali Xotyeni, men’s 200 m final

Werner Gouws, men’s 800 m final