Magakwe set for shootout 2014-04-24 SOUTH African 100m record-holder Simon Magakwe is gearing up for a showdown with top sprinter Richard Thompson from Trinidad and Tobago. The 2008 Beijing Olympics silver medallist has been invited to participate in the 100m at the new Jungle Series, starting in Potchefstroom on May 9 and 10. Other legs of the series will take place in Stellenbosch and Pretoria but the organisers are still finalising dates with Athletics South Africa. Thompson boasts a personal best of 9.98 seconds, which he clocked at the Olympics in China where he finished second behind world record holder Usain Bolt. Magakwe, a member of Royal Bafokeng Athletics, made history by becoming the first South African to break the 10-second barrier in 100m this month after also clocking 9.98. Also coming to SA for the series is US-based Zimbabwean sprinter Gabriel Mumvure, who has an identical personal best. Simon will benefit a great deal from the series as part of our preparations for the Commonwealth Games, said Magakwes coach Eugene Thipe. There is no pressure for a new record because the focus is on training. But with top sprinters like Gabriel and Richard coming, you never know. For us if it comes [the record], it will be a bonus. The recognition Simon is getting after setting a new record is wonderful.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 07:20:47 +0000
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