Marlon Kayster from Porterville will represent South Africa in Europe and the United States after becoming the fastest under-18 sprinter in the country and the world leader in his age group.
Porterville, South Africa (03 June 2026) – With international competitions in Italy, Sweden and the United States on the horizon, 17-year-old Marlon Kayster is preparing for what could be the biggest few months of his young athletics career.
The Grade 11 learner from Porterville in the Western Cape has been selected for the World Wide Scholarships (WWS) Western Cape Schools Athletics Tour, where he will compete against some of the world’s leading junior athletes in Europe during June and July. He has also qualified to represent South Africa at the Under-20 AAU Junior Olympic Games in the United States in August.
The opportunities came after a breakthrough performance at the Athletics South Africa All Age Groups Championships in Germiston earlier this year, where Marlon stopped the clock at 10.31 seconds in the 100m.
The time made him the fastest under-18 sprinter in South Africa and currently the fastest young man in the world in his age group.
“I was very emotional. I know how much hard work went into it, and when it finally paid off, it meant a lot.”
Despite the attention his performance has attracted, he remains focused on the process rather than the recognition.
“For me, it felt very normal. I just did what I trained to do.”
Representing Boland Athletics at the national level while balancing the demands of school has required discipline and consistency. Between classes, training sessions and competitions, much of Marlon’s time revolves around improving both on and off the track.
“There is a lot of discipline involved,” he said.
His journey has also been supported through the KAL Trust. Marlon’s father, Wilbert Kayster, works at the Agrimark Grain Piketberg silo and applied for assistance to help his son access educational opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach.
“I applied to the KAL Trust because I wanted to give my son a real chance to succeed,” said Wilbert. “We could see Marlon’s potential from a young age, but without the right education and support, it would have been very difficult.”
Since Grade 8, the Trust has assisted with school-related expenses, including tuition, hostel accommodation, uniforms and sporting equipment. According to Marlon, the support has made a difference beyond his own ambitions.
“It helps my parents and gives us opportunities we would not have had otherwise,” he said.
Another important figure in his development has been coach Jacobus Wes, who first started working with Marlon when he was 11 years old.
“He knows what he wants and what he wants to achieve,” said Wes. “He is ambitious, but he also works very hard. What stands out for me is not only his talent as an athlete, but his character.”
As preparations continue for a busy international season, Marlon’s focus remains on training, competing and making the most of every opportunity that comes his way. When asked who inspires him the most, however, the answer comes quickly.
“My dad.”
With Europe calling this month and the United States awaiting later in the year, Marlon’s attention now shifts to the next challenge.
Sources: Supplied
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