GHS Sprinter Keeziah Essop Heads to SA Nationals

Komani – Queenstown Girls’ High School is celebrating a major athletics achievement as one of its top learners prepares to compete on the national stage this weekend.

Keeziah Essop will represent both her school and Komani at the upcoming National Championship Athletics event in Germiston, where she is set to compete in the highly competitive U/18 girls’ 100m and 200m sprint events.

Rising local talent

Essop’s selection for the national championships comes after a strong 2026 athletics season, where she recorded impressive personal best times:

• 100m: 11.80 seconds
• 200m: 24.70 seconds

These times place her among the leading U/18 sprinters in South Africa this season, highlighting her as one of the country’s rising track talents.

Her performances have not only earned her a place at the national championships but have also drawn attention to the growing strength of athletics at Queenstown Girls’ High School.

Representing Queenstown on a national stage

Competing at national level is a significant milestone for any young athlete, and Essop’s participation is seen as a proud moment for both the school and the wider Komani community.

The National Championships bring together some of the best young athletes from across South Africa, providing a platform for emerging talent to test themselves against top competition and gain exposure at elite level.

For Komani, Essop’s qualification signals continued development in school sport and highlights the role local schools play in nurturing talent that can compete nationally.

School and community backing

Queenstown Girls’ High School has expressed strong support for Essop ahead of the championships, with the school community rallying behind her as she prepares to take on the country’s best.

Her achievement reflects not only individual dedication and discipline, but also the support structures around her — including coaching, school sport programmes, and community encouragement.

As she heads to Germiston, Essop carries the hopes of her school and town, with many backing her to deliver strong performances on the track.

Looking ahead

While competition at national level is expected to be intense, Essop’s current form suggests she has the potential to compete at the highest level in her age group.

Regardless of the outcome, her qualification alone marks an important step in her athletics journey and positions her as a promising athlete to watch in the future.