KNYSNA NEWS - The streets of Hornlee were abuzz with pride and excitement on Sunday 31 August as the community welcomed home their young star, Requelme Juicy, with a motorcade from Lamco to Kalender Street (Parky).
The celebration honoured Requelme's remarkable achievements at the Cosassa Schools Athletics Championships in Eswatini - formerly known as Swaziland - held from 23 to 28 August.
The Grade 7 learner from Knysna Primary School claimed gold medals in the high jump, 4 x 200m relay, and 4 x 100m relay, cementing his status as a rising athletics star.
Requelme competed against athletes from Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
His victories were particularly impressive given that sprinting isn't his primary focus.
"On the day of the relays, our national coach asked me to stand in, and the rest is history," he said.
His high jump performance was a masterclass in mental fortitude. As the national record holder, Requelme faced immense pressure, but maintained his focus.
"I knew there was expectation on me. Mentally, I just tried to focus from the onset and go through my processes on the track. No casual socialising with other high jumpers while relaxing. I cleared the bar on all my attempts, and I think that reverted the pressure back on my opponent who had to catch up. That meant even if they did clear it, I would be on the inside line, having cleared it first."
Requelme cleared 1.70m, falling just short of his national record of 1.75m, but it's really his strategic approach that secured the gold.
Behind the gold
His coach, Radian Williams, credited a disciplined focus on nutrition and mindset as key factors in overcoming the challenges they faced.
"Quality nutrition and mindset are key. You're as good as you believe you are."
Williams, who trains athletes under the Legendfit brand, initially prepared Requelme only for the high jump. However, when a sprinter was sidelined, Requelme's speed training proved invaluable.
"Sprinting and its mechanics are the core of our training for all sporting codes," Williams explained.
"Requelme was the best alternative to step up to the challenge and his confidence grew throughout the competition." Williams recalled Requelme's words after training sessions: "Coach, I'm very excited. I think I can do it again!"
Reflecting on Requelme's growth, Williams said: "His confidence grew massively. Previously, I believed in him more than he did himself, but now he's got that covered. It's beautiful to see a boy this young understand the difference between confidence and arrogance."
Williams' training philosophy emphasises speed and mindset. "Get faster, because speed develops any sport. Secondly, always believe in yourself, even if the odds are stacked against you. This performance gave Requelme something deeper, a real feeling of what it means to grind six days a week, no excuses. It's bigger than winning. It's about representing," he said.
International coaching
For Williams, this success opens doors to international coaching opportunities. "I finally got an opportunity to coach abroad, so I'll be exploring international duties as a trainer, which I'm excited about."
Radian Williams. Photo:Supplied
New chapter at Paul Roos Gimnasium
Requelme's exceptional performance didn't go unnoticed. His father, Elvin Juicy, confirmed that his son was courted by several top schools, but the family ultimately chose Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch to continue both his academic and athletic journey.
"We already made our decision, and Requelme is happy with where his future is going. On behalf of my family, I'd like to thank the community who went out of their way to give Requelme a true hero's welcome. It was really unexpected and something we will never forget."
He also acknowledged his workplace Plascon SA, Knysna Municipality and Rodney for their support.
Read previous articles:
Juicy claims triple gold at Cosassa Games in Swaziland | Knysna-Plett Herald
Requelme selected for COSASSA team | Knysna-Plett Herald
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