LIMPOPO – Despite only having a coach for seven months, the 18-year-old athlete from Moletjie competes in 800 m, 1 500 m, 3 000 m and 10 km competitions and has a good track record. “Running is an escape for me. Running is a big part of my life and every decision I make goes back to whether it’s going to serve me and my running career,” he explained.
He shared that running has kept him away off the streets and out of trouble as it occupies most of his time. He trains and challenges himself to grow everyday explaining that he always gauges his progress because he plans to be the best in the next few years. “I always work on improving my running because I want my performance to bring sponsors on board,” he said. Stephen shared that the feeling was surreal when he won his first medal. “The win came shortly after I joined Balamolela Athletics Club. I knew at that moment, that my athletics career was finally beginning and I would go far with my coach, Herry Lamola. I then knew that this man means something to me,” he said.
Stephen would like to run marathons full-time and would like to compete in the biggest marathons in the country and abroad. His biggest dream is however to conquer the Comrades Marathon, but he has given himself until the age of 25 to prepare. He advised young people to become athletes or just take up running because it refreshes the mind. “Training can be gruelling but it will be the best decision you have ever made because running will keep you out of trouble. I see a lot of young people get lost in drugs and crime but there are better alternatives. People just need to open their minds to the possibilities,” he said.
