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Draft:Hennie Kriel

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Hennie Kriel
Born (1956-08-29) August 29, 1956 (age 68)
Pretoria, South Africa
Other namesOom Hennie
OccupationAthletics Coach
OrganizationGrigora Training Group
Known forSprints Coach, Hurdles Coach, South African Athletics
WebsiteOfficial website

Hennie Kriel (born 29 August 1956) is a South African athletics coach, known for his contributions to the resurgence of South African sprinting and for coaching athletes who have set world and national records. With over 33 years of experience, Kriel specializes in coaching sprints and hurdles.

Some of his coaching achievements include:

  • World Records: 2
  • National Champions: 42
  • National Records: 12
  • Olympic Participation: Coached athletes at three Olympic Games

[1][2]

Biography

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Kriel was born on 29 August 1956 in Pretoria and raised in Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape. His athletic journey began as a sprinter, where he won silver in the 200m at the South African Youth Championships. After a stint in the police force, he studied at Pretoria Teachers’ Training College, intending to combine coaching with his teaching career. Kriel also served as a speed coach for the Blue Bulls rugby team, contributing to their Currie Cup successes in the early 2000s.[3]

Coaching Career and Notable Athletes

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As head coach of the Grigora Training Group, Kriel has led his athletes to notable achievements, including world records, national titles, and Olympic participation. His coaching portfolio includes athletes such as:

  • Clarence Munyai – South African 200m record holder with a time of 19.69 seconds.[3]
  • Thando Roto – One of the first South Africans to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m with a time of 9.95 seconds.[4]
  • Gift Leotlela – Holds junior records in the 100m and 200m events.[4]
  • Rikenette Steenkamp – Former national record holder in the 100m hurdles.[1]
  • Sokwakhana Zazini – Set a world youth record in the 400m hurdles.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Q&A with Hennie Kriel". Voiced Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Grigora Training Group". Grigora Group. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Speed Coach". Modern Athlete. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  4. ^ a b "TuksAthletics Coach Kriel Inspires His Athletes to Dream Big". University of Pretoria. Retrieved 1 November 2024.