Splendid gift of a homemade trophy for marathon runner
The trophy took her a long time to complete, since she had to ensure that every year and medal acquired over the years was represented in this latest homemade trophy.
Vusi Sibisi (60), a member of Biggarsberg Athletics Club, was given a homemade Comrades Marathon trophy by his niece, Thubelethu Ndlovu, after not being able to finish his 25th Comrades this year.
Thubelethu decided to create this trophy for her uncle because it was his 25th ‘Ultimate Human Race’ and the first one he had attempted since 2017. However, unforeseen circumstances brought on by his health prevented Vusi from finishing the marathon.
“My last marathon was in 2017. Six years later, I decided to enter again, but I didn’t get to the finish line. I had to stop at Hillcrest because my body couldn’t take it any longer,” said Vusi.
He explained that he was experiencing knee and calf discomfort, as well as dizziness, and had to stop.
“I was surprised to come home to a beautiful trophy from my niece, who told me that even though I didn’t finish the race, I was a winner just for starting it,” smiled Vusi. He believes that starting something is the most important thing in life, even if you don’t get to finish it.
Thubelihle remarked that, over the years, her uncle consistently returned home with a medal. “He has been my inspiration for completing the race for the past 24 years,” said Thubethu. She added that this trophy is her way of saying ‘thank you’ and letting him know that as a family, they will always rally behind him.
The trophy took her a long time to complete, since she had to ensure that every year and medal acquired over the years was represented in this latest homemade trophy.
“This race was particularly unique, therefore I had to give my uncle a special gift for his wonderful efforts,” she enthused.
Vusi told the Courier that he will be retiring this year from his job at the Department of Education.
Pondering his future, he said, “I want to give back to the community by training and sharing my experience, knowledge and expertise with young athletes.”
He added that the Umzinyathi District has very talented young athletes who will one day do exceptionally well in the Comrades Marathon.
“We need local businesses to start investing in the development of these young athletics so that they can represent our town at the SALGA Games, as well as at the local Prince Mangosuthu Marathon,” he concluded.
