KuGompo City’s rising sprint star Ethan Hykes is proving that hard work and discipline are paying off, after a standout athletics season that has taken him from provincial glory to the national stage.
The 16-year-old Grade 10 pupil at Baysville Secondary first made headlines at the Eastern Cape Secondary Schools Championships held in Gqeberha, where he stormed to double gold in the boys’ U17 100m and 200m events.
“I was excited… ecstatic,” said Hykes after clocking personal bests of 10.80 seconds in the 100m and 23.32 seconds in the 200m.
That performance earned him a place at the South African Schools Athletics (SASA) National Championships, held in Pretoria as part of the Autumn National School Sport Championships from April 29 to May 2.
Competing against the country’s best, Hykes rose to the challenge, securing a bronze medal in the 200m and finishing 10th out of 20 athletes in the long jump.
Reflecting on the national experience, he admitted the step up in competition was intense.
“I felt nervous because of the competition,” he said.
However, the experience proved invaluable for the young athlete.
“I have learned to be disciplined and patient, and that I have to train even harder now,” Hykes said.
“I want to break records, work hard at training and compete in more track and field events around SA.”
His coach, Neelan Naidoo, believes this is only the beginning.
“His willingness to follow instructions stood out immediately,” Naidoo said.
“Even early on, when I made small adjustments to his technique, he implemented them perfectly.”
Naidoo emphasised that while Hykes’ natural ability is clear, it is his attitude that sets him apart.
“His talent is evident, but his dedication stands out. He shows up and puts in the effort.
“We haven’t even had a full season together yet, so there’s a lot more to come.”
Training sessions are structured and focused, incorporating flexibility, mobility, sprint drills and technical work, followed by race-specific training and recovery.
Naidoo said this approach is already delivering results.
“Yes, he achieved personal bests, but we expect that.
“He hasn’t had consistent off-season training or structured coaching before, so now we’re starting to see his full potential.”
Off the track, Hykes continues to shine as a well-rounded sportsman.
He plays hockey for Phoenix Hockey Club, following in the footsteps of his uncle, Julian Hykes, who has represented the SA men’s hockey team, while his mother is also a player.
“Hockey is in my family, so the ability comes naturally,” he said.
His father, Adrian, says the foundation was laid early.
“He was always running around with hockey sticks and soccer balls. Even at a young age, he stood out, and teachers would always compliment him.”
Over the past six months, Hykes has committed to a demanding training schedule, working daily with his coach on the beach and at Jan Smuts Stadium.
Despite his sporting success, academics remain a priority.
“School comes first,” Adrian said.
“He’s learnt discipline, responsibility, teamwork and how to perform under pressure.”
Naidoo believes that strong support system plays a key role.
“He’s young, humble and has a family that supports him fully. Effort is the biggest winner, and he brings it. Most importantly, he loves to run.”
Looking ahead, Hykes is determined to build on his progress.
“I want to really work hard in the off-season with my coach. We have plans for next year, so I want to stay focused on what lies ahead,” he said.
Inspired by sprint legend Usain Bolt, the Buffalo Flats teenager is not just chasing medals.
With double gold in Gqeberha and a podium finish on the national stage in Pretoria, Hykes is establishing himself as one of the province’s most exciting young prospects.
