UJ’s Ruswahl Samaai surprised the world last year when he finished third in the Long Jump at the CWG in Glasgow and in the New York Diamond League in what seemed an impossible feat.
The 23-year-old will now be seen in action in the next Varsity Athletics meeting in Stellenbosch. He recently equalled his personal best jump of 8.13m at the UJ Championship and just last week he was crowned Central Gauteng Long Jump champion after an 8.12m leap with an injured back.
He seems to improve every year and he is very positive about the upcoming season.
“My main focus is my domestic season in South Africa and then we move to Europe for the Diamond League events, but the main goal is the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.” said Samaai.
Samaai feels that some of the country’s athletes have the potential to shine on the international stage this year and believes he will have plenty of competition in Stellenbosch.
“I think a few of our South African athletes will experience a great season this year. Anaso Jobodwana recently ran a sub-20 in the 200m and Akani Simbine is in amazing shape.
“It is always great to compete against the best because it brings out the best in me and it’s an indication that we must always have to work harder and give my best,” he added.
The talented jumper also wanted to share some wise words with some of the country’s up-and-coming athletes who have a goal of becoming professional.
“Keep your head up, keep on working and believe in the Lord’s plans for your life because he does have plans for each and every one of us,” he said.
By Reggie Hufkie
