Junior athlete Ashley Erasmus produced a standout performance for the SA team on Monday, breaking the national women's shot put record to win gold on day four of the CAA African Senior Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Erasmus, who turned 19 earlier this month, landed the shot at 18.17 metres, adding 29 centimetres to the long-standing South African record of 17.88m set by Drienkie van Wyk in Germiston in 2002.

National champion Erasmus claimed her third continental title in two seasons, after earning gold at the African U20 Championships in Zambia last year and the African Games in Ghana earlier this season.

In the process, she led a podium sweep in Yaounde, with compatriots Mine de Klerk (17.09m) and Colette Uys (16.28m) securing the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

There was also success for versatile athlete Shannon Verster, who secured bronze in the women's heptathlon with 5 239 points.

Competing in seven disciplines over two days, Odile Ahouanwanou of Benin triumphed again, winning her third successive African Championships title after racking up 5 777 points.

Adele Mafogang Tenkeu, representing host nation Cameroon, took silver with 5 527 points.

After four days of competition at the CAA African Senior Championships, the SA team had a total of 10 medals, including five gold, two silver and three bronze.

"Thank you for the new much sought-after medals that have been raked in. Congratulations go especially to our podium achievers and all dedicated athletes. The team continues to soldier on and prove it's all possible and worth the effort," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. 

* Results subject to amendment due to continued technical challenges experienced by the hosts.

** All SA records are subject to standard ratification processes 

* Cameroon is the home country of 73-year-old Hamad Kalkaba Malboun, the President of the Confederation of African Athletics, who has been at the helm since 2003. 

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS