Laliq shines at the NAPSO national athletics

Record-breaking throw
At just 13 years old, Laliq Adams proved that talent and determination can go a long way.
Rozanne Swart
  • 1 Day Ago

Power, precision and determination.

These are the qualities that define one of the standout performers from this year’s NAPSO (Namibian Private Schools Organisation) national athletics championships.

This athlete is Laliq Adams, a 13-year-old field athlete from Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP). Not only did she excel in the javelin and discus events over the weekend, but she also set a new NAPSO national record in shotput with a throw of 14.03 metres, surpassing the previous record of 13.86 metres.

Adams said breaking the record was the highlight of the event for her. “I threw over 14 metres for the first time on my very last attempt, which is also a personal best for me,” she said.

Following her outstanding performance at the NAPSO nationals, Adams walked away with an impressive collection of trophies and awards. She secured gold for her record-breaking shotput, silver in the discus, and bronze in the javelin.

In addition, she was named best field athlete for girls in the u/15 to u/19 category, best u/15 female athlete, and best individual achievement. She was also awarded the senior Victrix Ludorum title, before ultimately being crowned the overall best athlete of the entire event.

Adams admitted she was surprised when her name was announced as the top athlete. “I was really surprised, especially because not all my events were as strong as they could have been, and there were so many amazing athletes at the competition.”

Although she did not fully meet her own expectations in the javelin and discus, Adams said she remains satisfied with her overall performance. “My biggest challenge throughout the competition was to keep my mindset positive when I didn’t completely achieve what I had hoped for.”

Her athletics journey is only just beginning. With many goals still ahead, Adams is focused on continuing to develop her talent. She trained between three and four hours a day in preparation for the championships and plans to maintain this dedication.

“I want to train very hard for the rest of 2026,” she said. “I hope to take my athletics far. The dream is, of course, to compete at the Olympic Games one day.”

She also expressed her ambition to be selected for NAPSO touring teams and to compete in athletics events in South Africa as an independent athlete.