Boshoff wins gold in Belgrade

By Michael Uugwanga

THE darling of Namibian discus, Leanne Boshoff who won the country’s first gold medal at the ongoing International School Federation (ISF) U-15 World School Sport Games in Serbia on Monday has told Youth Corner that she is over the moon.

Boshoff  said she did not expect to win a gold medal even though she was  amongst the favourite for top honours.

The Grootfontein-born wonder kid is a grade nine pupil at Karstveld Academy in Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region and said that she had been working very hard in training before the games, after throwing a discus of 46.62 which was enough to claim top spot.

The gold medal was also an early birthday present to herself as she turned 15 yesterday.

“It is a very good feeling to have won this medal, something that I did not really expect. It was such a big surprise, but I am extremely very happy.

It was lots of practice even though I wanted to throw further. It really depends what opportunities are available but I really want to go further with my career and do more international competitions and even local competitions cause I really want to go further as I have the ability to do it,” said an excited Boshoff.

The youngster also gave some words of encouragement to other young athletes out there that also dreaming of winning medals to not fear their rivals or the nature of the competition but to look at their strengths.

Her ultimate goal is to feature at the Olympic Games in 2028, while the Commonwealth Games next year will be a step in the right direction.

“I just want to say no matter how big people are, how strong you think they are on the day of the competition, you should never be afraid and never give up and also try to beat you own Personal Best (PB). You should always believe that you can do anything,” said Boshoff.

Another athlete that also won a gold medal in the discus throw is Christian Burger in the boy’s U-15 category.