One of the highlights of Friday’s final Varsity Athletics meeting at the Kenneth McArthur track in Potchefstroom was the 400m men which was won comfortably won by Maties’s Gardeo Isaacs.
The 20-year-old Bcom management accounting student completed the one-lap sprint in a time of 45.70 and finished the race almost two full seconds ahead of second place. Varsity Sports spoke to Isaacs about Potch and his journey thus far.
“My athletics journey started in primary school about 10 years ago in Parow in Cape Town, where I am from. I initially started off as a high jumper. My hero is Wayde van Niekerk. Wayde is not just an athlete but also a humble and generous individual. He gives inspiration and hope to young athletes like me. Before a big race I always watch a few YouTube videos of him running just to see how he approaches a 400m race and it really helps me with preparation,” said Isaacs.
Isaacs, who won the Victor Ludorum award at the Potchefstroom meeting, spends his free time by watching the beautiful game. “I love watching football when I have the time to do so and I’m probably one of the most passionate Manchester United supporters out there,” he claimed.
“I was ecstatic after the race on Friday because it is something my coach, Heinrich Fortuin, and I have been working on for the past three years. A massive thanks goes to him for all his hard work and for always assisting me wherever he can. I was very happy that I could get the win for Maties although it’s not where we wanted to end on the points table.” Maties finished in a disappointing fifth spot after NWU, Tuks, UJ and Kovsies.
Isaacs will be back on the track shortly as his season has only just begun. “My next race will be the USSA Championships held in Stellenbosch from 4-6 April. Thereafter I will be competing at the ASA Senior Championships in Germiston from 25-27 April. My main goal for this year is to remain injury free, healthy and run great times,” concluded a confident Isaacs.
By Shafiek Mouton
