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An ambitious cross-country runner from Marquard in the Free State, Tseko Thoabala (19) is geared for an international challenge at this year’s World Athletics Cross Country championships to be held in Belgrade, Serbia.
This will be his first international competition since he seriously started to compete in cross-country in 2017, while in primary school.
Tseko is part of the South African U20 men’s squad to represent the country at the international championships, where runners will show their mettle on Saturday, 30 March.
Tseko flew to Serbia on Tuesday, 26 March, with South Africa’s team of 28 athletes, who are hoping to impress in this event demanding endurance and stamina.
The middle-distance runner, who will compete in the 8 km for men U20, is a learner at the Mohlodi Thuto High School.
He was chosen to represent the country based on his merited performance across all legs of cross-country participation last year – regional, provincial and national.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) selected athletes on their performances at the 2023 ASA Cross Country Championships series held in Bloemfontein and Gqeberha, as well as the ASA cross-country trials in Potchefstroom.
Tseko secured top slots and he obtained first position and third overall with personal best times.
He is part of the team made up of Musawenkosi Mnisi, Pheko Zanzile, Realeboga Smith, Corné de Fouw and Rico Leijenaar.
Tseko is excited about the opportunity to represent his country at the highest level.
“Lifting up the flag is the biggest dignity I could be holding,” he said.
The global event affords Tseko the chance to emulate his motivators, the likes of Jamaican-born multiple Olympic Games gold medal winner Usain Bolt and South Africa’s 400 m Olympic gold winner Wayde van Niekerk.
“They are a source of inspiration for me. Watching their videos inspired me and made me believe that one day I will be at that level too.
“This is not driven from a point of stardom, but I admire their excellence and dedication to their craft. In the early years I told myself that I would like to be like them in future,” said Tseko.
Tseko began competing seriously in cross-country while at the Moemaneng Primary School in 2017, and said he developed strong love for the sporting code after finishing in top position in the nationals held in Potchefstroom and later in Gqeberha in 2018.
He attributes his improving performance to training daily with athletes at his age.
“Because all of them are looking for the same thing, which is a success,” he said.
Tseko balances his studies and his participation in sport equally by managing his time and ensuring that neither suffers.
“I want to study coaching, as I believe that running is what I have to focus on my whole life. I want to create better athletes,” said Tseko.
