Athletics: Three leave for African Junior Championships |28 August 2013

Three young athletes leave the country today for Mauritius to compete in the eleventh African Junior Championships.

According to the local athletics secretary general Wilfred Adrien, it was originally planned for four athletes to go, but one of them, namely sprinter Diane Nioze, had to pull out as she left over the weekend to take part in a training camp prior to the Jeux de la Francophonie which starts next week and at which she will be representing the country.

As a result only three athletes will be traveling to Mauritius. The team is led by junior sportslady of the year Marie Hélène Rose who will be competing in the discus and shot putt events.

The other athletes are Dean William who has been improving his national mark on a regular basis this season in the shot putt. He will also compete in the hammer.

Ned Azemia has also been in good form as he trains under the guidance of coach Joseph Adam. He will take part in the 400 and 800 metres at these championships.
At one point the African Junior Championships was in doubt as South Africa was relieved of hosting this event by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA). As a result Mauritius was sought by the African Athletics Confederation two months ago to host this competition.

The Mauritian federation was able to deliver as they managed to attract one of the biggest number of participants where 33 countries have confirmed their participation at this four- day event which will be officially opened tomorrow. The almost 300 athletes will be aiming to gain qualification for the World Championships which will be hosted in the USA in 2014.

Our athletes, who will be accompanied by coaches Linda Jeanne and Cuban Alexander Aroche, are expected back on September 2.  

R-J.L