"I see myself becoming one of the best in the world" - Curro Hazeldean sprinter Zattu Hlongwane
Sprinter Zattu Hlongwane is making the most of every opportunity that comes his way, using them as stepping stones to future long-term goals. Hlongwane's journey to becoming one of South Africa's most exciting young prospects is a story of exceptional talent, persistence and passion. The Curro Hazeldean Grade 11 learner grabbed the attention of the athletics-loving public with his "truly unforgettable" performance at the NWU Top 30 schools meeting in Potchefstroom, last month where he was part of the Curro relay team that set a new 4x100m world youth best after a blistering 39.02, shaving 0.3 off the previous mark set by the USA.
From the starting gun, Hlongwane and his teammates were in sync with seamless handovers and were well clear at the final changeover, allowing the 17-year old to run the anchor leg unchallenged. Reflecting on that historic performance, Hlongwane explained that while they had planned to set a new national mark, they weren’t expecting to break the world record.
"We had planned to shatter our own record. When I received the baton, I zeroed in on the finish line. I'm confident in my abilities. I knew I could deliver the fastest split and give everything for my team," he told #TheTopRunner.
For someone who only started running in 2022, the youngster, who boasts personal bests of
10.48 in the 100m and 21.16 in the 200m, he has undoubtedly covered a lot of ground within a short space of time to be counted among the best in his age group in the country. "Coach Thabo Matebedi's guidance and belief in me were instrumental in unlocking my true potential. His expertise and mentorship marked the turning point in my athletic career."
While Matebedi's influence and his mother and teacher, Mrs Van den Berg's unwavering support is undeniable, the youngster reserved special praise for one of his teachers' husbands who gifted him his first pair of spikes. "Mrs Botha's husband gifted me my first pair of spikes and said: "you'll do even better when you run with these." Those words stuck with me and wearing spikes for the first time gave me a sense of professionalism and determination," he said.
Like his idols, Chinese sprinter Su Bingtian and Jamaican sprinting legend Asafa Powell, the Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) athlete would like to become competitive globally and compete at the Olympics and World Athletics Championships. But he first wants to dominate school and national competitions. "Long-term, I envision myself becoming a world-renowned sprinter competing at the highest level and inspiring the next generation of athletes."
The Akasia resident is part of an institution that's becoming a conveyor belt of SA sprinting talent and he counts himself lucky to walk in the same corridors as world U20 100m and 200m champion, Bayanda Walaza. "Being part of Curro is extraordinary. We celebrate each other's successes and learn from setbacks. This supportive ecosystem allows us to thrive, grow and reach our full potential."
As Hlongwane continues to soar to new levels in the sport, his feet remain firmly planted in the pursuit of greatness and wants to showcase "South African excellence one stride at a time. I want a lasting legacy that goes beyond my own achievements. My goals, among
others, are to contribute to the growth and development of athletics in our country. Ultimately, I want to be remembered as a trailblazer, role model and someone who showed the potential of South African athletes."
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