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Colombia - South Africa’s two javelin throwers posted massive personal best throws to advance to Sunday's final at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia.
Only a personal best throw would ensure automatic qualification for Hercules van Vuuren, whose previous best was 72.70m while the standard was set at 73m.
Van Vuuren produced the throw of the day with the javelin landing at a distance of 79.04m.
This effort was more than six metres further than his previous best.
"I believed I had it in me if I focused and did everything right. I am really excited about this throw," Van Vuuren said.
In the first qualifying round Rustenburg athlete Paul Botha's two throws went over 70m.
His second attempt of 74.60m was two metres further than his previous best.
"I can do much better and if everything goes well I believe I stand a chance of winning a medal," said a delighted Botha.
Meanwhile, the South African mixed relay team of Taylon Bieldt, Andre Marich, Gianni Lombard, and Armoure le Roux qualified for Sunday's final with a time of 3:26.90.
Ockert attended the IAAF World Youth Championships courtesy of the IAAF. His accommodation was paid for by the Colombian athletics federation.
