Oscar hopes to represent SA at 2021 Olympic Games
Semi-pro athlete, Oscar Mavundla was recently ranked fourth in South Africa in the 400m category.
POLOKWANE – Semi-pro athlete, Oscar Mavundla says his athletic journey has been tough, but he is grateful to have ranked fourth in South Africa in the 400m category.
The Seshego native told BONUS he has been running with the likes of 400m world record holder, Wayde van Niekerk, who has pushed him to work harder.
Oscar says he is working hard in preparing to make the SA athletics team and to hopefully, represent the country at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
“I train daily at the Peter Mokaba Stadium with legendary coach, George Mehale. My personal best thus far was a 46.45 second 400m run in one of my competitions,” he said.
Oscar has also represented South Africa at the 2021 Confederation of University and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Championships in Botswana and had won a gold medal in the 400m race.
Oscar began participating in sport at the age of nine, while attending primary school at Samuel Thema Primary School in Seshego and continued running in high school.
He is currently doing an internship at the Limpopo Sports Academy (LSA) where he’s gaining skills and preparing for his upcoming competitions.
“I have always been a fast runner and I make sure I practice by running in the streets of Seshego. Athletes I see on TV have always inspired me,” he said.
Oscar received a gold medal at the 2018 All-Africa University Games in Ethiopia and has also competed at the SA national championships and the University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships.
“I have been training and I make sure I do my best because I know other athletes are working hard out there,” he said.
Oscar has also graduated from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) but says he’s more interested in sports.
“I want to pursue my career in sport because I want to inspire the younger generation, especially from townships where there’s more talent to still be discovered,” he said.
Oscar would like to get sponsored to be able to represent SA in other countries.
“I need local companies or individuals to sponsor me with more running Olympic gear, and I hope that next season I’m bringing a gold medal from the Olympics to Polokwane.
“It’s also extremely difficult to maintain my fitness levels while competing with high profile athletes that are sponsored. I would really appreciate it if I get help from a Good Samaritan out there,” he said.
Oscar can be found on Instagram (@Oscarozzy1) and Facebook (Oscar O Saintz).
