The Khomas region asserted dominance at the Athletics Namibia (AN) senior championships held in Windhoek this past weekend. 

The competition saw over 200 participants engaging in various track and field events throughout the two-day event at the Independence Stadium. 

The Khomas men’s team bagged a total of 452 points across all events, followed by the Erongo region with 59 points, and Omaheke with 50
points. 

In the women’s category, Khomas maintained their lead with a total of 287 points, trailed by Erongo with 62 points and Omusati with 34 points.

Amidst several exciting moments, one stood out as Gilbert Hainuca matched the 100m time set by Namibia’s first Olympic silver medallist Frank Fredericks, with an impressive 9.86 seconds. 

However, AN explained that the wind was too strong from behind for Hainuca’s time to be accepted as a record.  This record thus remains unbroken for at least 28 years.

In other highlights of the day, Cornelius Kuhn broke his shot put record as he threw an impressive 17.54m to set a new national record. 

His previous record was 17.10m, which was set early this year.

Frieda Ithete also improved her record in the triple jump from 12.11 to 12.30m, while Annelize Smith recorded a new hammer throw record, which is 36.03m.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s 2020 Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Christine Mboma returned to local tracks, securing victory in both the 100m and 200m finals with times of 11.62 and 24.10 seconds, respectively.

Commenting on Mboma’s performance, her coach Henk Botha highlighted the significance of the win in boosting her confidence. 

“Clearly, this is just the beginning of our journey, and we have a long way to go. However, it’s a step in the right direction, and there’s still much work ahead of us. Nonetheless, I’m pleased that this achievement will serve as a significant motivation for her,” he said.

In the men’s 100m finals, Hainuca claimed victory with a new personal best of 9.86 seconds, followed by Gregor Appolus at 10.45 seconds and Hatango Murere at 10.52 seconds. 

In the 200m, Hainuca continued his impressive form with a time of 20.82, followed by Magano Naseb at 20.95 and Elvis Gaseb at 21.08 seconds, respectively.

In the women’s events, Mboma dominated both the 100m and 200m, with Ndawana Haitembu and Jade Nangula securing second and third positions, respectively in each event.

Ananias Shikongo emerged victorious in the para 100m T11 men’s category with a time of 11.26 seconds, followed by Chris Kinda at 11.40 seconds and Michael Muyenga at 11.69 seconds. - mkambukwe@nepc.com.na