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Seddon’s Speedy Start

By

Cayla Seddon
Cayla Seddon

Cayla Seddon, Madibaz’s newest athletics recruit, started the year in the same way she finished it – running fast!

The national junior champion in the 100m hurdles and 200m sprint caught the eye at the EP League Track & Field meeting that was hosted by the university last weekend.

Running into a slight headwind, the 18-year-old Seddon set times of 12.23 and 14.37 in the 100m sprint and 100m hurdles items respectively.

She topped these off with a workmanlike 24.82 in the 200m, just 0.04 shy of her season’s best set in December.

The first-year sports management student said her initial objective for the meeting was to target season’s bests, but that the conditions had not played along.

“The wind was quite blustery and from the front, so I’m extremely happy with my times.”

According to the speedster – who said she wanted to pursue a career involving something that she was passionate about – training had been quite demanding.

“We’re at it six days a week and we’re alternating between power, speed and endurance workouts while concentrating on technique.” Her programme also includes regular gym sessions.

She said she planned on peaking twice this year. “First I need to be in top shape for the USSA championships in April.

“Then, if I have qualified, I’ll take a week’s break and build towards the junior worlds in Poland in July. That’s the goal at the moment.”

Madibaz athletics manager Nellis Bothma was full of praise after the meeting.

“Her speciality is the 100m hurdles and that is all about technique. I think she’s on target to qualify for the worlds.”

While Seddon’s long-term goal is to impress the national selectors, her immediate aim is the Eastern Province Championships on February 26 and 27.

After that, she will travel to Stellenbosch for the first Varsity Athletics meeting on March 4 before jetting off to the USSA Track & Field National Championships in Polokwane.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.