Namibian sprinters win in Hannover

By: STAFF REPORTER

NAMIBIAN sprinters Globine Mayova, Tjipekapora Herunga, Hitjivirue Kaanjuka won their respective events at a rainy and cold Sparkassen Athletics meeting in Hannover on Saturday.

In the 100m for women Herunga ran 12,09 seconds to win heat 2 with Mayova winning the next heat in 12,07.
Mayova’s run proved to be the fastest time out of the three heats, guaranteeing overall victory. Herunga was second best and Ruth Sophia Spelmeyer third in 12,11.
In the men’s 100m Kaanjuka won heat three in 10,57 with Kai Ingwerson and Robert Hind tied in 10,89.
This made Kaanjuka the overall winner of the 100m. Compatriot Frank Puriza managed fourth with his 10,90 finish.
The 200m for women saw Herunga cruise through the field to win in 24,13 followed by Sophie Zielonga and Victoria Sack in second and third respectively.
Kaanjuka completed his double by winning the men’s 200m in 21,29 followed by Maximilian Kessler in 21,39 and Puriza in third in 21,67.
“We have been very unfortunate with the weather this year as it was mostly raining and cold but the athletes had to adapt. I know they wanted to run faster, but it’s part of the sport,” said coach Letu Hamhola.  
The event served as a tune-up for Herunga ahead of the London Olympics which start next week, while it was another chance to improve for her compatriots.
“We had hoped that more athletes could qualify for the Olympics however it didn’t happen, but the vision still remains 2016 and the road to Brazil has already started,” Lamhola said.
“Tjipe did the 100m and 200m today for speed work and she did well. On Wednesday she will compete in the Welsh International Grand Prix in Cardiff, which will be her last 400m before the Olympic Games. It’s been raining a lot in London and Cardiff has the same conditions so we want to see how she reacts in the British conditions,” he added.

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