Six athletes from the North-West University (NWU) returned from the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra with medals around their necks, giving the university one of its strongest performances on the continental stage in recent years.

Competing against some of the leading athletes from Africa at the championships, hosted in Accra, the NWU contingent collected three gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals for Team South Africa.

Middle-distance runner Luan Munnik opened the gold rush for the university when he claimed the men’s 1 500 m title in a time of 4:01,50 under the guidance of coach Jean Verster. Pole vaulter Valco van Wyk followed with another gold after clearing 5,40 m, while hurdler Rogail Joseph secured the women’s 400 m hurdles crown in 54,73 seconds.

Sprinter Bradley Nkoana added a silver medal in the men’s 100 m after clocking 10,31 seconds, while Mihlali Xotyeni claimed bronze in the 200 m in 20,56 seconds. Field athlete Righardt Stander completed the medal haul with bronze in the discus throw with a distance of 56,13 m, before later finishing fifth in the javelin with 73,94 m.

The performances capped off a successful campaign for the NWU athletes, who formed part of the South African squad competing in the championships staged at the University of Ghana Stadium from 12 to 17 May.

Before the championships, Joseph had entered the competition as Africa’s top-ranked athlete in the women’s 400 m hurdles, while Van Wyk and Munnik were also among the top-ranked competitors on the continent in their respective events. Nkoana arrived in Ghana after helping South Africa win silver in the men’s 4x100 m relay at the recent World Athletics Relays in Botswana.

Tracey Olivier, athletics manager at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus, congratulated the athletes and coaching staff on the performances.

“To have all six of our athletes return home with medals is a proud moment for the university. These results reflect the commitment of the athletes, coaches and support staff who continue to raise the NWU flag on the continental stage,” said Tracey.

She said the performances also highlighted the strength of the athletics programme at the university and its contribution to South African athletics.

The results reinforced the growing presence of the NWU in continental athletics, with the university once again producing athletes capable of competing among the best in Africa.

Bradley Nkoana

Luan Munnik 

Valco Van Wyk

Rogail Joseph 

Righardt Stander

Mihlali Xotyeni