Nkosi gears up for time trials

After winning her first SA national cross-country title earlier this month at the Izak Steyl Stadium, Hlengiwe Gift Nkosi is in high spirits as she continues her preparation for January’s national time trials.

Nkosi has made no secret of her wish to represent the country internationally and knows all too well the importance of these trials in making this a reality. Selection here means she could book her ticket to the World Athletics Cross-Country Championships in 2026.

The East Athletic Club athlete qualified for the time trials after her “best ever” performance since she started running in 2018, when she won the junior women’s 6km national cross-country title on September 7.

Champion

“I never thought I would one day win a national title. This showed I’ve improved a lot,” she said.

She tasted what it feels like to be on the podium when she clinched a bronze in the U20 women’s 5 000m at the national juniors track and field champions in March, but was still far off from where she envisioned herself.

So, that victory showed how much five months of committed and consistent training can improve an athlete.

“I felt the title was mine in the last 800m. I heard the crowd saying my competition was tiring. I kicked and won.”

Also Read: Runners tackle Daveyton Street Mile

Despite winning the Central Gauteng Athletics provincials in August, she had a less than convincing provincial season where she never clocked below sub-25. Her best performance came on home turf in league five in Marivate Park when she won in a PB 24:16.

That was supposed to be a confidence-boosting performance, but she was back to her below-par showings in the following leagues. And so it was evident at the provincials that she wasn’t in national championships form when she won in a pedestrian 25:14.

Improvement

But she surprised everyone, including herself, when she put her foot on the gas in Vanderbijlpark to complete the three-lap course in a stunning 20:56, chalking off a massive 03:16 of her PB.

“It shocked me because I never thought I would clock such a fast time. At training, I managed sub-24s, and at the provincials, I finished in 25:14. I went into the nationals demotivated, but I’m happy because it gives me hope I might go to the worlds.”

She’s in high spirits as she continues her build-up to the one opportunity that has eluded her several times.

Last year, passport issues and school commitments prevented her from attending the trials. This time, however, nothing is in her way, and she’s determined to make the most of this opportunity.

“I missed the trials before because of passport issues. I remained hopeful and always pushed myself,” Nkosi said.

Nkosi has started adding mileage and, later in the year, will start speed sessions to be in the best possible shape in January because she knows her nationals position will count for nought at the trials.

“I saw a team photo of the SA U20 track and field team that competed in the recent U20 worlds. Since that day, I’ve envisioned myself in that green and gold tracksuit. I will work hard to achieve that goal.”

Also Read: Nkosi races to victory at nationals