The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Athletics Club made a strong showing at the recent Akani Simbine Classic Shootout, with several athletes setting new benchmarks. This competition took place on Saturday, 8 February 2025 at Curro Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane.
Shirley Nekhubui, reigning champion and UJ Athletics Club standout, broke her own national record in the 300m sprint, clocking an electrifying 36.36 seconds. This not only solidified her position as the fastest ever South African in the distance but also made her the fastest woman in the world since the start of the 2025 athletics season.
Joining Nekhubui in the record books was Udeme Okon, another UJ Athletics Club standout and 2024 UJ Club Sportsperson of the Year Award winner. Okon also set a new world-leading time in the men’s 300m sprint, clocking an impressive 31.83 seconds.
Speaking after the win, Nekhubui said, “I’m feeling happy about the new record. I have been preparing for this year’s races since last year. I’m looking forward to qualifying for the 400m distance for the World Championships in September 2025.”
She said that running the 300m was for her to gauge her endurance and speed in preparation for the upcoming 400m distance runs.
“This was an excellent start for the athletes. It shows that they have put in the work during the off-season preparations. This was their face race, so, I think they will get even more faster in the upcoming competitions especially in the 300m, 150m and 60m,” said Roger Haitengi, Manager and Coach: UJ Athletics Club.
He added, “The level of competition in the club is high. This gives the other athletes who have not yet competed a bit of tough competition to up their game for the upcoming track and field championships.”
Student-athletes Tsebo Matsoso also impressed, finishing second in the 60m sprint with a time of 6.59 seconds, while Kayla La Grange walked away with a gold medal in the 150m sprint.
This performance follows a successful start to the season for UJ Athletics, with the club dominating the opening Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) League meeting in Germiston, securing 34 gold, 13 silver, and 8 bronze medals a few weeks ago.
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