Prudence Sekgodiso proudly stands on the top step of the podium, celebrating her historic win that earned South Africa its first-ever women’s medal at the World Indoor Championships.©Team South Africa
By: Boitumelo Makhapheetja
South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso made history on Sunday by winning the country’s first women’s medal at the World Indoor Championships, held in Nanjing, China.
Sekgodiso, 23, dominated the 800m event, crossing the finish line in a world-leading time of 1:58.40.
In a masterful display of tactics and speed, Sekgodiso began the race in fourth place, gradually moving up the ranks to third on the second lap and second on the third lap. As she entered the home straight, Sekgodiso unleashed a blistering attack, leaving her competitors in her wake.
Ethiopia’s Nigist Getachew secured the silver medal with a personal best time of 1:59.63, while Portugal’s Patricia Silva claimed the bronze medal with a national record time of 1:59.80.
Sekgodiso’s victory was all the more impressive given her seeding as the second-fastest athlete in the field, behind defending champion Tsige Duguma of Ethiopia. Having set her South African record of 1:59.88 in France and Germany in February, Sekgodiso discovered an extra gear on Sunday, outpacing her rivals with ease.
With this momentous win under her belt, Sekgodiso is likely to gain immense confidence and momentum as she heads into the outdoor season, gearing up to make a lasting impact at the World Championships in Tokyo in September .