"I didn't expect it" - Karabo More reflects on winning African 1500m crown

Despite a challenging start to continental competition, South African middle distance star Karabo More is thrilled that she was able to come out tops at the CAA African Athletics Senior Championships  held in Accra, Ghana between 12 to 17 May. Running in the pouring rain, More powered through the finish line in 4:15.40 to secure a tight victory over Kenya's Vivian Chebet Kiprotich who clocked 4:15.50, while Souad EL Haddad of Morocco came in third in 4:16.00.

More's gold medal helped South Africa secure 22 medals at the competition to successfully defend their title after they also finished on top of the medals the 2024 African Championships in Cameroon. Team SA raked in nine gold, four silver and nine bronze medals to repeat their success. The 24-year-old says she had to adapt to the conditions and keep her focus on the race.

More poses with the gold medal she won in the Ghanian capital. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I am very happy and proud of myself," she told #TheTopRunner. "I didn't expect it, but they say that when the time is right, the Lord will make it happen, and He made it. I really appreciate it. I think being in a different environment is all about adapting to it, so I just had to blend in and try to fit in with any other person that was there."

The quality of CAA organisation was under the spotlight once again as athletes complained about the poor accommodations and food. More says she simply tried to shut that out of her mind and focus on the job at hand. 

"You just have to get used to the food and service. I mean, you are already there, you can't turn back time. It was quite a good experience for us to learn how other countries operate and how they are," says More who became the fifth fastest SA 1500m female athlete of all time when she clocked a personal best 4:05.90 at the Cape MIlers Continental Tour Meet in Stellenbosch last month. 

Pictured at the launch of the 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane incorporating the SPAR Grand Prix are from left athletes Kyla Jacobs and Karabo More, Mpudi Maubane - SPAR National Media, PR and Sponsorships Manager, athlete Glenrose Xaba and Programme Director Zintle Mokoka. The launch was held at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Tshwane on Wednesday 20 May 2026. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott.

The continental crown was More third 1500m title this season. The Boxer Athletic Club top runner won the provincial (Athletics Gauteng North Championships), national (ASA Senior Track & Field Champions) and now the African championships. While happy with her 2026 achievements, she says it’s not time to relax yet.

"I have to keep on training hard. I have to keep on pushing. It doesn’t mean that I can now relax. There’s still more competition. There are still stronger girls that are going I’m going to face. So, I have to go back to my dream board and keep training. I really thank God, my coaches and my fans for supporting me regardless of how hard it got," she says.