'I've tried to quit so many times but my heart wouldn't let me' - Modupi Tladi wins maiden Cross Country title

"Sometimes I underestimate my talent, but a performance like this reminds me that it is God-given and I can use it to support myself." Those were Modupi Tladi’s honest words after crossing the finish line first to win the senior men’s 4km race at the Athletics South Africa Cross Country Championships hosted by Athletics Vaal Triangle at the Vaal University of technology Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday.

"I'm proud of myself. I feel so happy," he told #TheTopRunner moments after dispatching a quality field including the likes of Olympian Ryan Mphahlele and the talented Deon-Lee Hendricks. "I've been trying to win for so long but today God gave it to me. I’m so thankful for the support I have received from everyone especially during the difficult times."

Tladi celebrates a memorable victory. Photo Credit: Cecilia van Bers.

The difficult times that the 24-year-old refers to are the challenges that many South African runners face in the challenging years between the junior and senior ranks. Without a University bursary many are unable to support themselves while training full-time which is why many ancient careers come to a premature end. Tladi reveals that his athletic dreams almost suffered the same fate.

"I've tried to quit so many times but my heart wouldn't let me. Sometimes you feel that you trying hard for little reward. But my heart wouldn’t let me quit and I just kept on going because that’s what makes me happy. I released that although I may have many talents this is the one that God has chosen for me which I can use to support myself."

Tladi with coach Samuel Sepeng whom he says has been the secret to his 2024 success. Photo Credit: Sepeng Project.

But he stayed the course and enjoyed a productive 2024 season which yielded personal bests over 1500m (8:06.39), 3000m (8:06.39) and 5000m (13:58.36). And after winning bronze and silver medals at previous national cross country championships, the Xcel Running Club top runner who grew up in the Northern Free State town of Sasolburg and Vereeniging on the banks of the Vaal River, won his first ever gold medal in front of his home crowd. A result which has left him hopeful about what the future holds. 

"Things are starting to click. I had a good track season this year. My coach Samuel Sepeng has done is the reason for that. Next up is the road. I’m going to race the Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) 5km Championships to try and qualify for the provincial team and then compete at the national 5km championships later this year."