The National Athletics Championships that took place at the Independence Stadium saw some running kings and queens of Namibia in action. The Championships were a platform for the athletes to qualify for the World Athletics Championships but only participant Sade de Sousa managed to qualify for the World Youth Championships, which will be held in July in Nairobi, Kenya. Jolene Jacobs won the women’s 100 metres in a time of11.82seconds ahead of young prospect Sade De Sousa. The Namibian 100metre record holder could only manage a third place in a time of 12.22seconds. De Sousa also qualified for the 200M race after clocking 24.30seconds ahead of Mberohonga Kandovazu and Globine Mayova. Dantago Gurirab won the 100 Metre race in a time of 10.22seconds ahead of Hitjivirue Kaanjuka and Even Tjiuiju. Gurirab’s time was however below the qualifying time for the World Athletics Championships, which stands at 10.12seconds. In the 200Metres Ernst Narib was the winner in a time of 20.94 seconds, beating Even Tjiuiju and Hitjivirue Kaanjuka who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. So far, only four marathon athletes have achieved qualifying times for the World Championships. These are Beata Naigambo, Helalia Johannes and Lavinia Haitope in the women's category, and Reonard Namupala in the men's division. Young talent discovered at National Athletics The National Athletics Championships took place today at the Independence Stadium and many exceptional performances were brought to the fore. Pepertua Simata competed and won in the 100 metre hurdles race .But the 16-year-old from Walvisbay had to fend off Laurie Anne Potgieter and Lewin Ze-Zane first. She says she was not entirely happy with her showing, despite winning Gold. “ It was a good race for me but I could have done better because I hit a few of my hurdles on the way but overall I am happy.”Said Simata. The Hardap region also brought in some youngsters who took home gold in the previously unpopular triple jump category. Dennis Orlam achieved a personal best en-route to gold with a jump of 13.62m. He says he has a coach from his earlier athletics days to thank for his performance. “The jump was good I think It all really started at school when my coach Eugene told me that I could go far. I am pleased with my performance today.” Said Orlam. Also scooping first place in the women's category was Jesse Joseph who showed a jump of 10.95m. Joseph says that her day on the course was good but she was nonetheless hoping to do much better. “ I am happy with my performance today. My season’s best is 11.12 but today I did the best I could and I can take consolation in the gold.” Said Joseph. In other events, Rainhold Thomas won the 10 000Metre race and Lavinia Haitope was yet again in a class of her own when she defended her 1 500Metre crown comfortably.