Merrifield Prep’s Nola Smith took a top 10 spot at the 2025 SA Nipper Championships in Gqeberha this past weekend — an incredible feat for one of the youngest competitors at the championships going up against 1,000 other athletes from across the country.
Mya MacEwan made it through to the final of the Mali Board and came 14th in the Long Run.
Nola demonstrated remarkable skill and determination with an impressive 12th place in the highly competitive flags event, showcasing her quick reflexes and beach sprint speed. Nola also proved her stamina and resilience in the long run, securing a commendable spot within the top 10 finishers.
Merrifield Prep’s Akeem Ally and Mya MacEwan also put up fierce performances in a demanding schedule of events that included boogie board relays and nail-biting flags races.
The SA Nipper Champs provided a fantastic platform for these young athletes to test their skills against the best in the country.
Their participation and Nola’s impressive results are a testament to their hard work, dedication of their coach and Merrifield College teacher, Steph Smith.
