Meet teen discus thrower, Boshoff
By Michael Uugwanga
AT 14 Leane Boshoff is arguably the country’s best discus thrower and at the same time she is also making a big name for herself in shot put.
Born in Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region, Boshoff currently holds a record in discus throwing, while she is eyeing to break another national record in Belgrade, Serbia at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) U-15 World Games slated for September 10 to 19.
The grade nine pupil at Karstveld Academy in Grootfontein will be one of the star attractions in Belgrade.
“I started shot put when I was nine years of age and started growing fonder for shot put every day. At age 10, I started discus and participated in the U-13 since there was no discus in the lower age groups. I participated in my first national championship in discus in the U-11 with the U-13 age group and won a bronze medal.
“There is no better feeling when you get that perfect throw, it’s indescribable. No other sport has ever given me such an amazing feeling,” said Boshoff in an interview with Confidente Sport.
Boshoff who will be turning 15 on September 15 at the World Games has won numerous individual accolades to her name.
“I have been blessed with numerous Victrix Ludorum Trophies at different meetings, but the most outstanding one was in the U-13 at the Confederation of Southern African School Sports Associations (COSASSA) games in Eswatini in 2019 when I received the trophy for best veld athlete because throwers must throw very good distances to earn enough points to qualify for this trophy. I broke the ongoing record of 36.56m and threw a distance of 46.
64m. This also changed my Namibian record,” said the young sporting sensation.
Just like many other upcoming talented local athletes, Boshoff does not have a sponsor as she heavily depends on her parents for financial support when going to tournaments to represent the country.
“I currently do not have a sponsor but my parents are trying their level best to fund me. I will not say that I am going to win a gold medal but I can guarantee you that I am going to give 100 percent in Serbia. I will try my level best to get a medal.
“My next goal is to feature at all games and Olympic Games in 2028. For next year’s Commonwealth Games the qualifying (criteria) is quite high … over 54 metres and it is not easy to improve with 14 metres throw.”
The teenager wants to pursue her studies in an area that will also involve sports.
“After school I want to go further my studies in biokinetics so that I help athletes reach their potential,” said Boshoff.