Two hundred metre sprinter Anaso Jobodwana pipped countryman, Clarence Munyai by 0.5 seconds to cross the finish line in 20.13 seconds at the first Liquid Telecom Athletix Grand Prix meeting at the Roodepoort Stadium last night. The exhilarating race saw the South Africans outclass Botswana’s powerhouse sprinter, Isaac Makwala, who finished third
in a time of 20.89 seconds. But Makwala went on to win the 400m race in an impressive time of 45.05.
His compatriot and former world champion Amantle Montsho also stormed across the line to win the women's 400m race in 50.66.
Local favourite Tebogo Mamathu outclassed a quality field to win the women's 100m sprint in 11.47
Halimah Nakaayi of Uganda compatriot Winnie Nanyondo to finish the women’s 800m race in 2:01.44.
David Greene of Great Britain dominated the men’s 400m hurdles race, crossing the line in 49.38 ahead of SA record holder LJ van Zyl by 0.26, with the top four men all dipping under 50 seconds. In the men’s 1 500m battle, world youth champion George Manangoi of Kenya emerged victorious in 3:40.62.
British athlete David Greene beat South Africa’s Van Zyl into second place when he takes the men's 400m hurdles in 49.38, holding off SA record holder. In the men’s high jump, Mpho Links capitalised on his experience to take the win, clearing 2.20m, with diminutive youth prodigy Breyton Poole settling for second position (2.15m).
It is through events of this nature that the City of Johannesburg positions itself as a vibrant, diverse and welcoming city offers visitors an unrivalled choice of destinations, activities, sports and experiences.
The City participated and supported this event through the provision of various logistical services. These services include:
• Provision of the Facility, which is managed by the City.
• The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department responsible for safety and traffic control, as well as;
• The Emergency Management Services and Disaster Management unit, for all emergency and other related situations.
The second Grand Prix track and field series will be held in Pretoria next Thursday.
