There were thrills and spills galore when the Namibia Cycling Federation held its National BMX Championships at the IJG Trails at Farm Windhoek over the weekend.
BMX racing has grown steadily in Namibia over the past decade and Saturday’s national championships saw close to 100 children from seven of Namibia’s regions in action.
The cyclists represented the top BMX riders in Namibia after they had previously won regional qualifying events in seven regions, ranging from the Omusati, Oshikoto and Kavango East regions in the north, to ||Kharas in the south.
They competed in six age group categories, ranging from six years old to 18.
The competition was fierce as the riders tore fearlessly around the specially designed BMX track at the IJG Trails while they received enthusiastic support from numerous spectators around the track.
There were also several accidents as some riders crashed on the gravel track, but the paramedics were quickly on hand to patch them up.
National BMX coordinator Jafet Amukushu says he was impressed by the talent on display.
“We have 86 participants from seven different regions and eight BMX centres around Namibia, as well as 16 coaches here at the national championships. There are some very talented riders here and the competition has been fierce,” he says.
“The support is also great – you can see the coaches, the spectators and the parents screaming in support of their riders, while the children are very motivated. There are prizes in various age group categories, while the under-18s also get to wear the national jerseys,” he adds.
Amukushu says their eventual aim is to qualify for the Olympics.
“We are trying to build a BMX team where they can compete at the national level, whether its at the African Championships or at other competitions in South Africa, while the ultimate aim is to qualify for the Olympic Games,” he says.
“RMB has been supporting this initiative for the past 11 years, which is a very big milestone. They have been supporting us, be it with branding or with bicycles and equipment, and we are very appreciative of their support. Without them this would not be possible and they are helping to turn dreams into reality,” he adds.
The various age group category winners are as follows:
Under-8 boys:
1. Ihepa Gift 2. Alberto Haufiku 3. Alfred Gwaseb
Under-8 girls:
1. Salome Ndeshimona 2. Gabrilla Frederick 3. Blessing Katjinamone
Under-10 boys:
1. Vivalson Gabriel 2. Asher Keya 3. Uatav Kazenaimue
Under-10 girls:
1. Angelina Niingo 2. Riah Shapumba 3. Lindiwe Ndeshimona
Under-12 boys:
1. Keano Boois 2. Ananias Kayambu 3. Alexandar Withbooi
Under-12 girls:
1. Sophia Ndeshimona 2. Thomas Tempo 3. Zuraida Buseel
Under-14 boys:
1. Gerhard Ndeshimona 2. Walker Richard 3. Leonardo Lock
Under-14 girls:
1. Samantha Monga 2. Wilhelmina Hamundjebo 3. Loini Gabriel
Under-16 boys:
1. Penoyovamati Hashiti 2. Nepunda Welcome 3. Brooklyn Ruiler
Under-16 girls:
1. Hileni Job 2. Aina Gottfried 3. Valencia Antonio.
Under-18 boys:
1. Manuel Lengi 2. Shawn Morkel 3. Usko Hamunyela
Under-18 girls:
1. Precious Betty Andre 2. Selma Uupindi 3. Lemisia Vaela
