'Competing at the Olympics in 2021 was an incredible experience' - Neheng Khatala to race Absa TSHWANE 10K
This time three years ago, Neheng Khatala was preparing for her Olympic debut. Lesotho's national record holder over the marathon distance (2:28:06) lined up alongside Gerda Steyn at Tokyo 2021 and delivered a solid 2:33:15 to take twentieth position on a hot and sticky day in the Japanese City of Sapporo. Although she missed out on securing automatic qualification for #Paris2024 this time around, Khatala says she will always cherish that olympic experience.
"Competing at the Olympics in 2021 was an incredible experience. Running alongside elite athletes like Gerda Steyn was inspiring. The atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the honour of representing my country on the world stage were unforgettable. It has motivated me to continue pushing my limits and aiming for excellence in my running career," she told #TheTopRunner.
Since then Khatala has tended to focus more on the shorter distances, while paying the occasional visit to the marathon. Her performances over 10km in particular have eye-catching as she has been one of a few Southern African athletes to go head-to-head with the East Africans whenever they participate in South African races. For example on Sunday 4 August, the 32-year-old came within just two seconds of breaking her own national record at the Totalsports Women's Race, when she clocked 32:03 to claim third place at the Women’s only race in Durban which was won by Kenya's Christine Njoki. A run which came just four weeks after she ran a career best 32:01 for fifth place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K.
"Durban has always been a special place for me to race. The supportive crowd, the climate, and the course suit my running style. The energy from the spectators and the coastal atmosphere really help me perform at my best here," said the Hollywood Athletics Club athlete.
Those two performances, run at sea level on flat and fast courses in eThekwini, have left the North-West University student brimming with confidence about her chances of claiming a podium finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on 25 August. Having claimed fifth place during last year’s inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K against a quality field of Southern and East African athletes, Khatala who has been in better 10km shape this season, can justifiably target a podium finish.
"My target for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K is to secure a top-three finish and aim for a personal best on this course. The hills and altitude will definitely play a role in my strategy. I’ve been working closely with my coach, Andrew Booyens, to fine-tune my strategy and focus on my strengths. We’ve been emphasizing speed work, hill training and
endurance to ensure I’m in peak condition for each race."
"We are excited to welcome Lesotho's National Record Holder Neheng Khatala and Boxer Athletic Club top runner Cacisile Sosibo to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on August 25th," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. "Both athletes have been delivering fantastic performances, showcasing remarkable dedication and talent. It’s a privilege to witness their improvements firsthand, and we are excited to see them compete at the Tshwane event. Their participation not only elevates the level of competition but also inspires all runners to push their limits and achieve their best."
Comentários