Pedro Aaron (18) put Germiston on the map at the African Junior Athletics Championships held in Algeria from June 29 to July 2.<\/p>\n
Aaron was part of the South African Junior team who was selected to compete in Algeria (GCN, June 30, \u201cAaron goes the distance\u201d).<\/p>
The long jump athlete placed third at the championships.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was aiming for first place but I am happy with my results,\u201d said Aaron.<\/p>
\u201cI was a bit nervous but managed to shake it off and secure a podium position.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aaron\u2019s coach, Stephan\u00e8 Kotz\u00e8, was also thrilled with the results.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes a lot for one to get such impressive results at a competition of that magnitude,\u201d said Kotz\u00e8.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud of him, he did well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aaron said he missed second position by a few inches.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was in second place until my last jump of 7.30m, which took me to third place,\u201d said Aaron.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second place winner jumped 7.33m and the winning distance was 7.36m.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the nerves were my downfall as my personal best is 7.96m and I feel I could have done better.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am happy with my results and will work on improving my performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
The youngster was competing against 13 other athletes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was a great experience for him, he saw what he needs to do to get gold and I believe he will do better next time,\u201d said Kotz\u00e8.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a junior athlete and has a lot of potential, I believe in him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are now working towards competing at the World Championships, next year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aaron said he will start training now for next year\u2019s competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have my eyes set on the World Championships. I will continue to work hard in order to do my best and bring home the gold,\u201d said Aaron.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am aiming for a personal best of 8m; this will have to be my goal if I want to compete with the best in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Also read:<\/strong><\/p>\n Athlete takes a great leap into SA team<\/a><\/p>\n Dinwiddie community gets stepping<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate\u00a0<\/span>pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong><\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n