Duduza – Thabiso Mokgatla (16) is getting ready to take on his first 10 000km race. After a great ending to 2024, Mokgatla will start the year with the Johnson Crain Hire Marathon in Benoni. The runner has been racking the medals for 1500m and 3000km races.
“I started doing athletics in school in 2017 and quickly started to compete on provincial stages among schools,” he explained.
Mokgatla joined Mamepe Striders in June 2024.
“As soon as I started, I qualified for the SA Championships doing cross country. I was winning most of my local races, and was grateful for those opportunities given me through sport,” he added.
At the end of 2024, Mamepe Striders awarded Mokgatla as the best male athlete and athlete of the year for participating in the South African Cross Country Championships.
“Many of my teammates are also good at what they do, but I guess this was my turn.
He said he runs because it is therapeutic.
“I just enjoy running. I have seen how it makes me more disciplined and I believe that other young people could also benefit from committing to a sport.
“It keeps me motivated and off the streets. I believe that I can inspire those who are younger than me. I am grateful for the award that I received because I could achieve a lot in a short time,” he explained.
This year his goal is to compete internationally.
“I want to represent South Africa. I will train hard and do whatever it takes to get to that point. I want to make my team proud, and my family,” he added.
Mokgotla also participated in the CGA League Meeting 1 for youth to seniors at Germiston Stadium on January 25.
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