KNYSNA NEWS - Requelme Juicy, a Grade 7 learner at Knysna Primary School, has etched his name into South African athletics history by breaking the national high jump record for boys u.13.

Competing at the recent SA Schools Athletics Championships, he soared to an impressive height of 1.75m, surpassing the previous record of 1.74m.

The young athlete, who is also an avid rugby and cricket player, said he was introduced to high jump in Grade 3 when a friend encouraged him to try it out.

"From there, my interest in the sport just gradually increased," said Juicy. "Once I got the knack of it, I quickly realised that, with my natural height, this could be a sport where I can really excel."

After being placed only 14th at the nationals in Grade 6, he returned with renewed focus, working closely with his coaches, Radian Williams and Evelyn White, on his technique, conditioning and mental preparation.

Preparation

"At that meeting, the competition was tough," he recalled. "But I knew I had much more in the tank than my performance showed."

Focus ...

His preparation paid off in a big way at this year's SA event.

"I felt in great shape and had a hunch that if I performed to my ability, I would come very close to the record or even break it. And that's exactly what happened."

Interestingly, two other high jumpers also managed to clear 1.75m at the event.

However, Juicy clinched the title as he was the only one to clear the height on his first attempt without any misses.

Looking ahead, his immediate goal is to attend Paul Roos Gymnasium for high school and eventually study at Stellenbosch University where he also wants to grow as a professional high jumper.

He expressed his gratitude to his parents, Elvin and Muriel Juicy, for their support over the years, as well as to Sonia Titus, who he says is one of his biggest supporters on this journey.

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