Leotlela, Mbisha Retain 100m Crowns as Kavanagh Shines on Day One of ASA Championships

Posted : 17 April 2026

South African sprinters Gift Leotlela and Joviale Mbisha successfully defended their national 100m titles on the opening day of the ASA Senior Track & Field Championships, held at Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch, Cape Town. Meanwhile, distance runner Tayla Kavanagh delivered a standout performance, claiming gold in the women’s 5,000m event with an impressive personal best.

Leotlela, representing Athletics Gauteng North, secured victory in a tightly contested men’s 100m final. He crossed the line in 10.15 seconds, narrowly beating Benjamin Richardson of Athletics Central North West by just 0.01 seconds. Richardson finished in 10.16, while Bradley Nkoana, also from ACNW, took third place in 10.26. Reflecting on his achievement, Leotlela highlighted the significance of back-to-back titles as a sign of continued progress this season.

In the women’s 100m final, Mbisha of Central Gauteng Athletics had to rely on a strong finish to defend her title. She clocked 11.55 seconds, edging out former national champion Viwe Jingqi, who recorded the same time but settled for second place. Gabriella Marais of Athletics Free State completed the podium in 11.72. Mbisha expressed confidence in her abilities, noting that while others may see her as an underdog, she always backs herself and was delighted to compete in a strong field.

Kavanagh stole the spotlight in the women’s 5,000m, producing a dominant run to win in 14:58.52. Her relentless pace left competitors struggling to keep up, and the performance elevated her to second place on South Africa’s all-time rankings for the distance. Kyla Jacobs of Western Province Athletics finished second in 15:36.33. Although she narrowly missed the national record held by Elana Meyer, Kavanagh remained upbeat, focusing on her personal best and the motivation it provides for future goals.

In other track action, Kabelo Mulaudzi of Central Gauteng Athletics claimed victory in the men’s 10,000m, clocking 28:52.56. The field events also produced notable performances, with Aiden Smith winning the men’s shot put with a throw of 20.51m. Douw Smit successfully defended his javelin title with an 80.88m effort, while Valco van Wyk secured his seventh national pole vault crown by clearing 5.10m.

Colette Uys of Athletics Gauteng North dominated the women’s discus throw, winning with a distance of 57.86m, finishing well ahead of her nearest rival.

At the end of the first day, Athletics Gauteng North topped the medal standings with six medals, including four gold and two silver. Central Gauteng Athletics held second place with three gold medals, while Athletics Central North West occupied third with a total of seven medals, comprising two gold, three silver, and two bronze.

Leotlela, Mbisha Retain 100m Crowns as Kavanagh Shines on Day One of ASA Championships

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