Young local athletes all place in top 10 at elite duathlon

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Several months ago, a head-on vehicle collision left two young Mossel Bay athletes unable to compete in the African Cup SA Sprint Championships.

However, after two strenuous races in May, mere days apart, their dedication saw them qualify for and compete in the equally elite SA Duathlon Championships 2026 and make the top 10 in their age group.

It was on 6 March that Elih Cloete of Point High School and Caleb Koeries of Global Academy of Education were on their way to Benoni to compete in the African Cup SA Sprint Championships.

The collision occurred just outside Kroonstad, and while neither of the boys sustained any serious injury, they were unable to compete, and returned home to Mossel Bay the following day.

Earlier this month, Elih and Caleb competed in the 14-15 age category of the super sprint distance race, a category of the duathlon championships held in Hoekwil, and completed a 2.5km run, a 10km cycle and a 1.5km run.

This race was only for athletes between the ages of 12 and 15 years old, and the boys started their race first.

Caleb crossed the finish line in fifth place in his age category in 38:42, and placed ninth overall, while Elih came sixth in his age group at 39:47, putting him in the 11th position overall.

Caleb Koeries came fifth in his age category and ninth overall.
Photos: Gerber Sports Photography

Caleb's mother, Minerva, said she was proud the moment her son crossed the finish line, and also when Elih followed soon after.

"If I just think back to March, when they missed that race ... It was just amazing how they both recovered and excelled," she said.

Elih Cloete competed in the SA Duathlon Championships 2026 where he placed sixth in the super sprint distance race. Photo: Gerber Sports Photography

However, these two youngsters were not the only Mossel Bay athletes to compete and make the top 10 in their various age categories.

Wian Gildenhuys of Point High placed seventh in the 16-17 age category and 11th overall, and Hillcrest Secondary's Taye Kannemeyer placed 10th in the same age group and 16th overall.

Wian Gildenhuys came in seventh place in the 16-17 age category and 11th overall. Photo: Gerber Sport Photography

Meanwhile, Sonwabise Ndyawe, also of Hillcrest Secondary, placed an extremely impressive second in the 18-19 age group, and third overall with a time of 01:02:53.

Hillcrest Secondary and Point said they were extremely proud of their athletes. Hillcrest added that it takes hard work and dedication to reach the level Sonwabise and Taye did.

Sonwabise Ndyawe on the podium after his second-place achievement in the 18-19 age group. Photo: Gerber Sports Photography

"We will continue to support them and hope that they will reach even higher heights and reap the benefits of their hard work. And that it will be a motivation for other school learners to also aim for and reach their dreams," said Hillcrest.

Taye Kannemeyer during a running leg of the duathlon. Photo: Gerber Sports Photography