One such talent is aspiring Olympic athlete Maphuti Gregory Moholola from Ga-Mahoai village just outside Polokwane in Limpopo.

 

This final-year animal health student on the Mahikeng Campus didn’t take athletics seriously during his early school days. His passion was sparked later when he met the well-known, Limpopo-based ultra-marathon champions twins, Lesiba and Tlou Peu, who introduced him to training and opened his eyes to his athletic potential.

 

Maphuti’s specialities are 5 km to 10 km on the road, 3 000 m to 5 000 m and 10 000 m on the track, and then 4 km and 10 km cross-country.

 

Running under his own steam

 

“I don't have a coach, I set up my own training programmes.

 

“My goal is to run good times and qualify for the world championships. Right now, I’m focused on qualifying for the upcoming world student championship in track and cross-country. I have a lot of work to do but I'm slowly getting there,” says Maphuti.

 

Smiles, all the way

 

He is all smiles about his recent successes. “I had a very good short season full of great experiences.

 

“I only raced six times this year and there has been massive growth. It shows I have been grinding hard. I entered the Athletics South Africa championships in Amanzimtoti, Durban in the 4 km for men u23 and came fifth.

 

He went on to University Sport South Africa’s cross-country championships. “It has been a solid performance and I'm happy. I'm looking forward to qualifying for the world student championships,” says Maphuti.

 

He has an impressive medals count dating back to high school and provincial competitions, and all indications are it will keep growing.