Newcastle’s Njabulo Mbatha dominates in world athletics

He is currently a student at the Tuks Sports High School in Pretoria and has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with on the running track.

He recently obtained a silver medal for the 4 x 400m relay at the championship and a fourth place in the 400m Hurdle sat the World Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru.

He is now third fastest Under 20 and second fastest Under18 in the world.

Njabulo is initially from Newcastle and said it was his principal and athletics coach at Arbor Park Primary School, Pam de Jager, who ignited his passion for athletics and more specifically, hurdles.

He initially took up athletics to help improve his speed and performance on the rugby field, which eventually paid off and led him to earn a rugby scholarship at Northwood Boys High School in 2021.

Njabulo, however said he quickly learnt that rugby was not his passion but athletics was his true calling.

He made the difficult but bold decision to leave Northwood Boys High and in 2023 enrolled at Tuks Sports High School in Pretoria and has since excelled beyond his own expectations, which has led him to compete at the World Athletics Championships.

“He is only 17, but he is truly excelling, and I am extremely proud of him,” said Pam de Jager, his former coach and principal, who has always believed in Njabulo’s potential.

She concluded by saying she wished him nothing but the best as he continued to pursue his dreams and inspire others with his miraculous achievements.

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