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Glenrose Chases History in SPAR Women’s Race in Gqeberha

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Glenrose Chases History in SPAR Women’s Race in Gqeberha

Adnaan Mohamed

Gqeberha is tightening its laces for a record-breaking dash as the sold-out SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge hits the Summerstrand shoreline this Saturday.

All eyes will be on the defending Grand Prix queen Glenrose Xaba, who has already sprinted to three consecutive victories this season and leads the series pack by five points.

The 31-year-old set a spectacular new South African marathon record of 2 hours 22 minutes and 22 seconds on debut at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon last year.

She has continued her brilliant form over the shorter distances in 2025 with victories at the Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane legs Spar Grand Series of 10km races.

Glenrose, affectionately known as Supercharger, is now chasing a place in history, aiming to become the first black women and only the third South African after René Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl to clinch three SPAR Grand Prix crowns.

The gently undulating route in Gqeberha is one of the most scenic of all the SPAR races and fast times can be expected. Glenrose will be going all out for her fourth consecutive victory in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. If she succeeds she willl be rewarded with a whopping R200 000 in prize money.

“I think I can be a role model for black girls,” she says.

“I hope they can see my success and believe they can be successful too.”

But her stride won’t go unchallenged. Ethiopia’s Salem Gebre and Diniya Abaraya, along with rising Tuks flyer Karabo Mailula, are expected to push the pace.

Selam Gebre

Meanwhile, Pietermaritzburg champion Tayla Kavanagh, fresh off a sizzling 31:53 personal best, could be the surprise sprint down the home stretch.

Tayla Kavanaugh

The race, starting and finishing at Pollok Beach, offers one of the flattest, fastest, and most scenic circuits in the series. It’s perfect terrain that sets the stage for fireworks on the stopwatch.

Beyond the finish line, the SPAR Women’s Challenge continues to carry a heavier baton. With every step, the race champions women’s empowerment, health, and the fight against gender-based violence, while also driving SPAR’s bold campaign to end period poverty by 2030.

Diniya Abaraya

This weekend, it won’t just be about chasing fast times it’ll be about running toward a future where every women’s stride carries the power of change.

Boxer Super Run set for Joburg debut

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Boxer Super Run set for Joburg debut

By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg is about to swap its traffic jams for jogging jams when the Boxer Super Run makes its City of Gold debut on Sunday, 9 November 2025, at the iconic Marks Park Sports Club.

Entries open this Friday, 26 September and if Durban’s record sell-out is anything to go by, they’ll vanish quicker than a sprinter out the blocks.

Billed as South Africa’s most social 5km, the race promises a carnival on the run: early-bird striders chasing PBs, charity teams in colourful costumes, and elites set to sprint for podium glory.

Boxer Super Run by Tobias Ginsberg

Like a relay baton, the energy will flow through every wave until the finish village buzzes with medals, music, and laughter.

“A new venue brings a new route and fresh experiences for everyone,” says Stillwater Sports MD Michael Meyer.

“It’s going to be a day for runners, families, and friends to celebrate together.”

Boxer Superstores’ Lee-Ann Pillay agrees: “It’s all about energy, fun, and community. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering, you’re part of the action.”

With performance tees, goodie bags, and medals in store, the Boxer Super Run is set to turn Joburg’s streets into a moving festival. The only question: will you be on the start line or left behind at the tape?

Boxer Super Run by Tobias Ginsberg

EVENT INFORMATION: 2025 Boxer Super Run Joburg 

Date: Sunday 09 November 2025
Distance: 5km
Start Venue: Marks Park Sports Club
Finish Venue: Marks Park Sports Club
Event Waves & Start Times:  07:00 / OPEN WAVE (Anyone and everyone, club runners, serious runners, schools, runners who prefer an early start, masses)08:00 – 09:30 / SUPER SOCIAL WAVE (Dress up, groups, company groups, charities, runners who prefer a slightly later start)09:45 / ELITE WOMEN10:00 / ELITE MEN
Minimum Age of Entrant: 9 years old
Entries Open: Friday 26 September 2025
Entries Close: Monday, 03 November 2025 or ONCE CAPACITY HAS BEEN REACHED
Entry Includes: Boxer Super Run Event Performance T-shirtBoxer Super Run Goodie BagRace Number / Timing ChipFantastic On Route ExperienceBoxer Super Run Finisher’s Medal

Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K

Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k

Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s bustling streets will swap weekday traffic for running shoes on Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September, when the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K brings the curtain down on the five-race series. From Lilian Ngoyi Street to Rahima Moosa Street, Jozi will echo with the sound of chasing feet and national pride.

Men’s showdown

The men’s race promises fireworks with South Africa’s Precious Mashele (27:35) determined to strike gold on his favourite kind of course.

“Joburg is never easy … the air is thin, the climbs are tough. But those are the races that bring out my best,” Mashele said.

His main rival is Kabelo Mulaudzi (27:41), who has swept the last three races in Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane. A fourth straight victory would crown him series king.

But Thabang Mosiako (27:45) is also in red-hot form after winning last weekend’s Hollywood Joburg 10K. He believes his hill and speed work have prepared him perfectly.

The 28-year-old is also eyeing next month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon debut, making this race an important test.

Thabang Mosiako Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

They’ll be pushed hard by Ethiopia’s Aklilu Asfaw (28:03) and Lesotho’s Namakoe Nkhasi (27:52), both with the pedigree to spoil the South African party. With so much sub-28 pace, the men’s crown may only be decided in the final lung-busting metres.

Women’s battle

In the women’s race, Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (31:53) starts as favourite, her strength on the climbs making her a natural fit for Jozi’s altitude.

“I love hard courses. They test not just the body, but the spirit,” Khatala said.

Her closest challengers include South Africa’s Cacisile Sosibo (32:54), Zimbabwe’s Rutendo Nyahora (32:55) and Kenya’s Naomy Jerono (33:28). Expect a close contest, with the decisive move likely on the punishing final stretch down Rahima Moosa Street.

Comrades stars add intrigue

Adding extra spice are Comrades Marathon champions Tete Dijana and Edward “Slender” Mothibi, both trading ultra-distance armour for 10km sharpness. Reigning Comrades Champion Dijana admits he’s using Joburg to test his speed.

Reigning Comrades Champion Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“The body is recovering well after Comrades. I use these 10km races to sharpen the legs,” he said.

Race founder Michael Meyer believes their presence underlines the event’s prestige:

“When you see Comrades champions lining up against 10km specialists, it speaks to the depth of our sport.”

A Heritage Day celebration

While the elites chase records, thousands of recreational runners will share the same course, painting the streets red and turning it into a moving tapestry of endurance and unity.

On a day celebrating South Africa’s heritage, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will be a festival of speed, spirit and pride, as Jozi plays host to one last, spectacular showdown.

Bronze lining for SA in Tokyo as relay team break eight-year medal drought

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Bronze lining for SA in Tokyo as relay team break eight-year medal drought

It took until the final day of the World Athletics Championships, but the quartet of Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Wayde van Niekerk and Zakithi Nene ensured Team South Africa will not leave Tokyo empty-handed after securing a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay. That brought to an end an eight-year World Championships medal drought. By Karien Jonckheere

The foursome tore round the track in two minutes 57.83 seconds with Zakithi almost pipping world and Olympic 400m hurdles champion Rai Benjamin on the line for the silver, but the American just edged ahead by two thousandths of a second with Botswana taking gold in 2:57.76. 

Gardeo Isaacs and Leendert Koekemoer, who will also be awarded the bronze medal, had made way for Van Niekerk and Nene for the final, with Van Niekerk expressing his gratitude for ending his 400m career on a high. 

“I really don’t want to make the team effort a personal thing, but it was really an amazing opportunity for me,” admitted the 400m world record holder afterwards, adding a shoutout to his teammates. “I think they know my journey, the last few years fighting with the 400m… I’m really just grateful to each and every one of them for pushing for me and fighting for me to be here.

“It’s really a privilege that I can finish off my 400m career with a medal, and hopefully it gives them some motivation to go and get some more medals for themselves.”

Wayde’s, whose medal collection includes Rio Olympic gold in the 400 as well as two 400m world titles and a 200m silver, added that he hoped the bronze would inspire his teammates to bigger things.

“I think I’m glad it’s a bronze because now it gives them reason to fight for silver and gold for themselves individually and then as a team as well,” he said.

Lythe was excited about the future potential of the team that included Udeme, who has just turned 20, and 18-year-old Leendert.

“We’re still a very young team, we have a lot of potential going forward,” he said. “I grew up wanting to run like Wayde. I started running chasing Zak and Gardeo, now Udeme and Leendert are chasing me, so we have a really great flow of athletes… so just up from here.”

With the World Athletics Championships coming to a close on Sunday, a look back reveals there were several injury disappointments and close shaves for Team SA, but also plenty to celebrate apart from the bronze medal, with the country’s sprinters really making their mark by reaching their respective finals of the 100m (Gift Leotlela and Akani Simbine), 200m (Sinesipho Dambile) and 400m (Nene).

Successful appeal hands SA sprint relay team chance to qualify for final

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Successful appeal hands SA sprint relay team chance to qualify for final

The South African men’s 4x100m relay team was thrown a dramatic lifeline late on Saturday night at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. That’s after a successful appeal for being impeded in their heat earlier in the evening. By Karien Jonckheere

First-leg runner Shaun Maswanganyi was bumped out of position by Italy’s 2020 Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs at the crucial first baton changeover, leaving Team SA’s hopes in tatters as they couldn’t finish the race. But the successful appeal has reopened the door. The sprinters will line up again in a timed relay on Sunday morning at 10.33am local time with one last shot to snatch a place in the final.

According to a World Athletics update: “If the South African team runs 38.34 or better (the 8th placed time qualified for the final) they will become the 9th team in the final and will run in lane 1. This will not affect the 8 teams already qualified.”

It means the same quartet of Maswanganyi, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine must regroup overnight and summon their very best, once more from the same lane six.

Meanwhile, Jo-Ané du Plessis finished just off the podium in fourth place in the women’s javelin final after a best effort of 63.06m. She admitted afterwards that the prospect of the final had seemed a daunting one after qualifying in a lowly 10th spot on Friday.

“When I woke up this morning, I was feeling like David against Goliath, so I’m happy. It’s not a medal but for me it’s like a gold medal, just showing up and still doing my best,” she said.

There were mixed fortunes for SA’s other relay teams in action on Saturday. The men’s 4x400m quartet of Gardeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer and Lythe Pillay sailed to victory in their heat in convincing fashion, crossing the line in 2 minutes 58.81 seconds.

“My team did the job for me. I wanted to finish strong,” said Lythe, who ran the anchor leg. “I’ve felt what it’s like when you relax too much when you’re in the lead so I thought let me just go and whoever wants to catch me must fight to catch me.

“Our team is strong, we’re healthy, we’re hungry and we’re ready for the final tomorrow.”

The women’s 4x400m team of Shirley Nehkubui, Marlie Viljoen, Hannah van Niekerk and Zenéy van der Walt finished seventh in their heat in 3:28.14 and did not advance. 

Earlier on Saturday, Wayne Snyman was relieved to cross the line in the 20km race walk, but his 43rd-place finish in 1 hour 30.12 seconds was far from his target. The 40-year-old schoolteacher, who has retired and returned to the sport more than once, faced a difficult road to these championships – and an even harder race on the day.

“I started terribly. The first 9km was incredibly hard, I couldn’t breathe at all. I had to stop to vomit twice,” he admitted afterwards. “And I think after about nine and a half or 10, I actually started to get comfortable. Then I actually started racing, but then in a 20km, it’s far too late but I just couldn’t stop, I had to finish.”

South Africa also endured disappointment in the field events, with none of the three shot putters – Miné de Klerk (24th), Ashley Erasmus (30th) and Colette Uys (32nd) – advancing past qualification. Victor Hogan also missed out in the discus after managing 61.51m to place 24th overall.

Comrades Marathon Loses a Humble Hero

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, Features, NewsLeave a Comment on Comrades Marathon Loses a Humble Hero

By Adnaan Mohamed

Farewell to Jetman Msuthu (1957–2025)

South Africa has bid farewell to one of its true road-running heroes. Jetman Msuthu, Comrades Marathon winner and Green Number 7532, passed away on 15 September 2025 at the age of 68, just days after the loss of his wife.

Born in the village of Lukholo near Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Msuthu began running at 18 and carried his stride into history. Between 1988 and 2016, he completed 14 Comrades Marathons, collecting three gold medals, 10 silvers and a bronze.

His greatest moment came in 1992 when, after finishing second, he was later crowned champion following Charl Mattheus’s disqualification.

That victory made him only the second man of colour, after Sam Tshabalala, to win the Ultimate Human Race.

Though denied the joy of breaking the winner’s tape on race day, Msuthu wore the mantle of champion with pride and humility for the rest of his life.

He also represented South Africa at the 1993 100km World Championships in Belgium, helping secure team gold. His final Comrades, in 2016, was a steady farewell run in 9:38:48.

Tributes have flowed from across the running fraternity. CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo called him “a legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.”

Former chair Cheryl Winn said, “He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.”

Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce remembered him as gracious and humble, while 1991 winner Nick Bester recalled him as both friend and teammate.

“It’s with deep sadness that I heard about the passing of Jetman, a friend and teammate representing South Africa at the World 100km Championships in Belgium in 1993, where we won the gold medal in the team category,” recalls Nick.

“Our team consisted of Cornet Matomane, Zephania Ndaba, Charl Mattheus, Mark Page, Jetman and I, with Bruce Fordyce and the late Vreni Welch as our team managers.

“Charl and Mark did not finish the race, so Cornet, Zephania, Jetman and I counted for the team prize. Condolences to his family – he will be missed!”

Jetman Msuthu’s name is etched in the history of the Comrades Marathon and in the hearts of those he inspired. His stride has stilled, but his legacy will continue to pace generations of runners.

The Champion Who Carried the Comrades Spirit

“A legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.” — CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo

“He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.” — Former CMA Chairperson Cheryl Winn

“My favourite memory of Jetman is how humble and gracious he was.” — Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce

“Our friend and teammate… he will be missed.” — 1991 Comrades winner Nick Bester

Rest in peace, Comrades Champion.

Dambile predicts big things as Jo-Ané keeps medal hopes alive

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Dambile predicts big things as Jo-Ané keeps medal hopes alive

Sinesipho Dambile predicted big things for next season after competing in his first World Athletics Championship final on Friday. The 23-year-old finished eighth in the 200m final in Tokyo in 20.23 seconds in a race won for the fourth time by American Noah Lyles in 19.52 seconds. By Karien Jonckheere

“I made a lot of mistakes in the final,” he said after struggling around the tight bend from lane 2. “But more than anything, I enjoyed the final. I enjoyed being in that field where it was just the top eight guys in the world in 200m and I’m looking forward to next season. It’s going to be a different Dambile going forward.”

The 200m national champion, who trains alongside fellow world champs finalist Gift Leotela and double world junior champion Bayanda Walaza, believes that with a bit more hard work, he can challenge the likes of Lyles.  

“I want to be better now. These guys are just like us. I just have to work a little bit harder and make sure next time I’m on that podium. I feel that I have all the physical gifts to do that. Just one more off-season and then I’ll be there,” he said.

Earlier in the evening, Jo-Ané du Plessis’s opening throw of 61.38m in qualification was enough to see her through to the javelin final. The distance saw the Olympic silver medallist finishing 10th overall in qualifying, with only 12 athletes making it through.

“I feel like there’s work to do… and hopefully we can correct what we did wrong tonight,” she said afterwards.

With the qualification round and final just one day apart, Du Plessis reckoned it will be the best-conditioned athletes who will perform on Saturday evening. The 27-year-old has enjoyed plenty of consistency this season, finishing on the podium in all but two of her competitions. 

“It definitely helped to get competition-ready because it’s going well in training but you have to be in charge of your emotions on the day on the field, so that’s what the competition is for – because if you’re relaxed you can do a lot of things with the javelin, but if you are a bit more stressed it’s a bit more difficult, so we’ll see.”

5FM TO AMPLI5 THE BREAST INTENTIONS COLOUR RUN 2025

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on 5FM TO AMPLI5 THE BREAST INTENTIONS COLOUR RUN 2025

5FM is proud to announce that it will be Ampli5ing the Breast Intentions Colour Run 2025– not only tackling the tough topic of breast cancer awareness with the whole family, but also having a ton of fun and, more importantly making a practical, life-saving difference

The highly anticipated Breast Intentions Colour Run 2025 will be taking place from 10h00 on Saturday, 27 September 2025, at the scenic Thaba Eco Trails in Johannesburg. This vibrant, family-friendly event is more than just a fun run – it’s a bold step toward empowering women and saving lives.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to raise funds for 100 life-saving mammograms for women in under-resourced communities. With every ticket sold, participants will directly contribute to the “Give Hope. Fund a Scan.” campaign, making a tangible difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM says, “5FM is not just about playing banging tunes and having EPIC parties. It’s also about making a meaningful, practical impact. Through this partnership, we’re amplifying women’s health initiatives and showing that we and the 5 Nation are here to help, not just talk. Together with Breast Intentions Colour Run, we’re creating a movement that’s massively fun, but also loud, proud, and purposeful.”

The day promises to be a celebration of wonderful women, stories of triumph, colour, fitness, and hope, featuring:
• A scenic 5km fun run/walk through Thaba Eco Trails
• Colour powder stations for a splash of fun
• Live DJ entertainment at the finish line
• Delicious food and drink stalls
• A feel-good, family-friendly atmosphere

5FM will be featuring insightful, inspiring content on the topic in the lead-up to the event and giving away 50 tickets to lucky listeners, and will also bring MASSIVE energy on the day with a 5 Weekend Breakfast Live broadcast from 07h00 to 10h00, on-site activations and the 5FM Chill Lounge, ensuring an EPIC experience for a wonderful cause.

Stay tuned to 5FM, download the 5FM app for iOS and Android, visit www.5fm.co.za and follow the station on all social media for ticket info and more information.

The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Tanika LaskeyNewsLeave a Comment on The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

DATE CHANGE: South Africa’s biggest one-day race will be held on 29 November 2025

The 30 th edition of “The People’s Race” has been rescheduled to take place on Saturday 29 November 2025 – one day earlier than previously scheduled. The change of date has been granted by the Central Gauteng Athletics Road Commission, courtesy of Mr Mandla Radebe.

The Soweto Marathon Non-Profit Company (NPC) which is carrying the race on behalf of the Soweto Athletics Clubs, confirmed that the movement of the race to one day earlier is due to the ZCC gathering taking place within the same precinct on Sunday 30 November 2025.

Soweto Marathon Spokesperson Jabu Mbuli says that in consultation with their valued partners as well as
the Athletics Clubs of Soweto; it was decided that whilst moving the date is unsettling, it is also unavoidable. On the plus side, it opens the race up to even more fans to participate in the country’s biggestone day road race;

 
“We must first apologise for any inconvenience caused to those who have already entered. This race is by the people, for the people – and it is our duty to ensure that, as much as is possible, the race day is open to everyone, and not in competition with any other major events. Our service providers have given us the green light, all is confirmed and in place for another hugely successful race and we welcome all from far and wide to come join in the energy, festivities, history and warmth of Soweto.”

The race will take place at Nasrec, Soweto, hosted by The City of Johannesburg; with the route unchanged as per the 2024 edition.

Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer African Bank says, “African Bank is not just sponsoring a race — we’re investing in the heartbeat of Soweto. Every runner, every family member, every supporter brings economic energy that stays in the township, circulating and uplifting the community. We’re here because this community is our home, we were birthed here 60 years ago when African Bank ideated, and 50 years later since African Bank opened its first branch, we need to acknowledge our heritage. We’re here to celebrate our legacy, African Banks umbilical cord is in Soweto. 80,000 new customers who sign up with us each month, are predominantly from Soweto, and they are essence of why we stay. African Bank Soweto Marathon isn’t just a race; it’s a movement that shifts the trajectory of unemployment and economic
challenges. We run with our people, through highs and lows, because they continuously support us, and as a result – we back this race. Let’s make this the biggest race on the continent, and show what Soweto can do for South Africa’s economy.”

The African Bank Soweto Marathon race office will communicate accordingly with all those who have already entered as per the previous date communicated.

Soweto Marathon NPC would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to their partners including African Bank; Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts and Culture; City of Johannesburg; Southgate Mall; Lenmed; SuperSport; VW Soweto; Castle Lite; Sowetan; eGenerators & Plant Hire; Action Photo SA; Athletics South Africa; South African Institute for drug-free sport.

Entry fees for all three categories are now open – and runners will undoubtedly welcome the news of the retained 2023 prices namely R380 for the marathon; R300 for the 21.1km and R280 for the 10km.

To enter, runners are encouraged to visit www.sowetomarathon.com. The prize money remains equal for both the
male and female categories, with the top prize awarded to the 42.2km Open winner set to take home R250 000.

Sinesipho blazes into 200m final with sub-20 showing as teammates falter

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Sinesipho blazes into 200m final with sub-20 showing as teammates falter

Sinesipho Dambile was the shining light on an otherwise bleak day for Team SA at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Thursday. By Karien Jonckheere

After a tough journey overcoming injury and multiple disappointments, the 23-year-old produced a personal best performance when it mattered most, powering to third place in his 200m semifinal in 19.97 seconds to secure a place in his first World Championship final.

“I still have a hell of a lot more in the tank, so tomorrow it’s just going to be me enjoying the final and running as fast as I can again,” said a thrilled Sinesipho afterwards. 

Wayde van Niekerk finished fourth in his semifinal in 20.12 seconds, which wasn’t quite enough to see him through. But he celebrated Sinesipho’s achievement saying: “You know what, a South African made it through and we as a nation are still being represented in the final, and no better person than the youngsters coming through now.” 

Meanwhile, later in the evening, a medal proved out of reach for Zakithi Nene in the 400m. The KZN star came into these championships with the fastest time in the world this year, of 43.76 seconds, raising hope he could secure South Africa’s first World Championships medal since 2017. But it was not to be, with Nene finishing fifth in 44.55 seconds as Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi stormed to gold in another world-leading time of 43.53 seconds.

Suffering from dizziness after the race, Nene said: “I don’t know what happened there. I think tactically it just wasn’t my day today… I don’t have any words honestly. I’m really devastated.”

Another of the country’s medal hopefuls, Prudence Sekgodio, also struggled to come to terms with what unfolded in her 800m heat after pulling out halfway through with a leg injury.

The tearful 23-year-old explained afterwards: “I felt something in the warm-up area on my hamstring, I think I strained it. I think I stretched it too much. I did tell my coach that I felt something, but in my mind I thought it’s nothing serious. But in the call room my leg didn’t want to move, and I couldn’t do strides.

“The past three weeks, things were going really well. I trained so hard, and I was ready for this and now this is the end of my season. I wanted it to end on a good note, but God had his own plans.”

There was further disappointment for Charné du Plessis, who also pulled out of her 800m heat with injury.