Thabo says that he qualified after competing in the Cross Country Championship Selection for the world championships, which was held in George in September.
“I obtained position three and six overall,” he says.
This was one of Thabo’s biggest achievements since he started running in 2012.
Read: Two athletics boys excel at championships
“I was proud of myself for being able to make it because I had attempted a few times but failed in the nationals,” he continues.
Thabo says that he will be competing in the South Regions Championships in Botswana in early March before leaving for Uganda.
“I am ready for the competition because of the preparation and hard work that I put in daily,” he says.
“I am working hard; I start practice every morning at 4am and again at 5pm and implement the advice I receive from my coaches and the team. I know that I will not make it without their help,” he says.
Thabo has only praise for his coach, Pule Tjaona, at Ulinda Athletic Club.
“He pushes us to practise and push ourselves further daily in practice. He also continues to win championships and this motivates us,” he says.
Read: Liso to compete in provincial championships
Responding, Coach Tjaona says that the team is proud of Thabo for making it this far in the championships. “We would like to see him going further in the competitions and making the country proud,” he says.
Thabo says that his dream is to break South Africa’s 10km record, which is held by Hendrick Ramaala.
