By Wilhelm de Swardt - Beeld

Pretoria – South Africa’s fastest athlete, Simon Magakwe, has brand new shoes for his flat feet.

Magakwe caught the eye of the South African athletics fraternity two weeks ago when he won the 100m event in Stellenbosch in a time of 10.21 seconds.

After that brilliant time he finds himself in good company. Only Yohan Blake of Jamaica (10.08), Marcus Branson of the USA (10.12), Winston Barnes of Jamaica (10.16) and Bruno de Burros of Brazil (10.16) have clocked faster times this year.

Olympic champion and world record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica has run 9.93, but the wind of 2.3m/s from behind was too strong.

Magakwe was sent to the University of Pretoria’s high performance centre on recommendation of Athletics South Africa’s (ASA) Molatelo Malehopo for tests to determine his potential.

Interestingly, Magakwe posted the time with shin injuries. It was also found that he has flat feet. The question is now being asked whether his shoes should be tailored inside to support the bridge of his foot.

ASA high performance manager Wilfred Daniels said there was more good news for Magakwe. Jaun Strydom, who will be helping him with his coaching in Pretoria over the next two weeks, has spoken to Adidas.

The sports equipment manufacturer wants to donate new shoes and other equipment to Magakwe.

He is very poor and ran the South African meeting with second hand shoes. He also carried his athletics clothes in a plastic bag.

Daniels added that they will soon hold talks with Magakwe’s coach, Annatjie van Staden, to plan the way forward for him.