Athletics Namibia’s highly anticipated athletics season began with a bang as 215 athletes competed in the electrifying Pupkewitz Foundation AN Grand Prix Series Meet1 at the Vineta stadium in Swakopmund on Saturday.
Powered by a generous sponsorship of the Pupkewitz Foundation, this thrilling event showcased athletes vying for a coveted spot among the top 10 in both the men’s and women’s categories while para-athletes battled for a place in the top 5 for their respective genders.
Setting the track on fire, was Ndawana Haitembu, who blazed past the competition in the 100m with an impressive time of 11.94 seconds, while Elvis Gaseb dominated the 400m with a lightning-fast time of 47.29 seconds.
Both athletes emerged as the standout performers of the day, each pocketing N$4,000 in prize money.
In the para-athletics categories, Roodly Gowaseb claimed victory in the 5000m clocking in at 14 minutes and 35.72 seconds, and Lahjia Iipinge claimed top honors in the 400m with a time of 63.72 seconds, also earning themselves N$4,000 each in prize money.
The athletes’ performances were ranked utilizing the World Athletics Scoring points and the IPC Scores for the Para-athletics category.
A remarkable total of 215 athletes from 27 athletics clubs representing various regions of Namibia participated in this exhilarating Grand Prix.
“Athletics Namibia is immensely grateful to the Pupkewitz Foundation for their invaluable partnership in bringing the Grand Prix Series to life,” said Mr Lot Ndamanomhata, the media liaison and publicity officer at Athletics Namibia.
“We would also like to extend our gratitude to Pupkewitz BMW, our mobility partner for the Grand Prix Series.”
The next installment of the Grand Prix will take place on February 10, 2024, at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
In the photos: Champion female athletes, and champion male para-athletes displaying their cheques.
