Coetzee smashes national record

New national long jump record holder Lionel Coetzee hopes he can get better after an incredible 8.27-metre jump at the Independence Stadium on Saturday, breaking two-time Olympian Stephan Louw’s 8.24m record set in January 2008. Coetzee, who was in fine form defending his 2022 title, got the crowd on their feet with an unbelievable jump to smash the long-standing record. His achievement was one of the highlights of the two-day Athletics Namibia senior national track and field championship.Speaking to NTV afterwards, the Swakopmund-based athlete said he was proud of the achievement and is looking forward to reaching greater heights.“I only started long jump in 2017 and today I managed to break the record, which is something I am very proud about.“I just want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my journey, because it wouldn’t have been possible without them.“The [Athletics Namibia] president told me that the jump has made me qualify for bigger global spectacles like the world championships and I can only build on that,” Coetzee said. The long jump was the only event that produced a national record, but organisers were pleased with how the competition turned out. Khomas reigns supremeAthletes from various regions performed to the best of their abilities as Khomas reigned supreme in terms of points accumulated.The event saw incredible running from athletes such as Andre Retief (47.70 in the 400m and 59.95 over the 400m hurdles). Ndawana Haitembu established herself as the sprint queen for 2023, winning the 100m in 12.01, while Jade Nangula was unstoppable in the 200m in 24.36. Crowd favourite Gilbert Hainuca retained his 100m title in 10.47, eclipsing Hadago Murere (10.64). The young Murure, however, upset Hainuca to win the 200m gold in 20.74 against 20.91. All-rounder Chrislene Klein was also on fire as she dominated the women’s high jump (1.73, personal best) as well as the 100m hurdles (15.33). Christine Mukumbi won the 400m hurdles, clocking 1:09.22, while Chris Kinda won the Paralympics 400m in a time of 51.48. Saara Shikongo won the women's 1 500m run (4:41.00), while Thomas Shigwedha won the men’s race clocking 3:57:27.Ryan Williams gained a great confidence boost in retaining his discus title with a 57.60m throw – beating the reigning continental champion from South Africa, Werner Visser (55.79).In the women’s discus, Karlien Botha (43.59) beat Tuané Silver (43.36), while the latter held on to her shot put championship with a 14.53m effort.In the men’s high jump, two teenagers both finished with successful 2m jumps, with Carsten Diergaardt (Khomas) placed first on countback against Josia Katroli (Hardap).

Coetzee smashes national record

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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Coetzee smashes national record

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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