Duduza – After a great ending to 2024, Thabiso Mokgatla (16) will start this year with the 10km Johnson Crane Hire Marathon in Benoni.
The runner has been raking in medals for the 1 500m and 3 000m.
“I started doing athletics in school in 2017. I quickly got the opportunity to compete on provincial stages among schools,” he explained.
Mokgatla didn’t join a club until June 2024 with the Mamepe Striders.
“As soon as I started, I qualified for the SA champs doing cross-country. I won most of my local races and was grateful for those opportunities given to me through sport,” he added.
At the end of 2024, Mokgatla won the best male athlete award when he participated in the South African Cross Country Championships and athlete of the year at the Mamepe Striders.
He said he runs because it is therapeutic.
“Many of my teammates are also good at what they do, but this was just my turn, I guess. I enjoy running. I have seen how it makes me more disciplined. I believe other young people could also benefit from committing to a sport. It keeps me motivated and off the streets.
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“I believe I can inspire those younger than me. I am grateful for the award I received because I was able to achieve a lot in a short space,” he explained.
This year, his goal is to compete internationally.
“I want to represent SA. I will train hard and do whatever it takes to get to that point. I want to make my team and family proud,” he added.
Mokgatla will also participate in the Central Gauteng Athletics League Meeting 1 for Youth To Senior on January 25 at the Germiston Stadium.
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