"The track season ended just as I started to peak" - Rising middle distance star Mohlomi headlines inaugural Phantane Street Mile

Since the likes of World Championships bronze medalist Johan Cronje and Olympic finalist Juan van Deventer achieved 1500m success on the world stage, South Africa has struggled to produce male middle distance stars who can compete at the highest level. Although there was some progress when 1500m specialists Ryan Mphahlele and Tshepo Tshite closed the gap and represented SA at the Paris Olympics, experts agree that the nation’s global achievements do not match it’s endless supply of middle distance talent. But the recent rise of two Free State youngsters Dumisani Motloung and Molifi Mohlomi has renewed the collective hope of a nation that gave the world Hezekiel Sepeng and Mbulaeni Mulaudzi. 

Mohlomi in Kovsies colours. Photo Credit: University of the Free State.

"I'm not surprised with the way I have performed this year. In fact, I started a bit slow this season but I managed to pull myself into better shape a bit as the season progressed,” explains Mohlomi who is the reigning SA U23 1500m Champion after clocking a commendable 3:43:03 title to win the title at the Germiston Stadium in March.

The 21-year-old who also obtained the U23 silver medal over 800m at those Athletics South Africa (ASA) Age-Group Championships where he was edged out by Motloung, says there is more in the tank.

Defending champion Mohlomi was narrowly beaten by his Free State teammate Dumisani Motloung in the final of the U23 Men's 800m at the ASA Age Group Championships. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"The season ended just as I started to peak. I feel like this season was cut short because just when you start to enjoy yourself then something comes to an end. I believe I'm not done with these performances. This is actually just the start. I can stretch myself even further with better perfomances. This is the start of big thing things,” he tells #ThetopRunner.

"I'm the focused person. I have taught myself to be that way. If I want to succeed on something I must be willing to work hard and be disciplined. If I'm going to participate in a meeting or event, I make sure that I take some time off social media to focus on the assignment. It’s how I keep myself ready without and distractions. I can celebrate and socialise after the event. As an athlete, you must avoid losing your focus. You must keep the winning mentality all the time," says Mohlomi who trains under renowned coach Tannie Ans Botha - known for guiding 400m World record holder Wayde Van Niekerk. 

Mohlomi poses with coach Tannie Ans and spinter Gabriella Marais at the University of the Free State Athletics Awards. Photo Credit: Kesa Molotsane.

Brimming with confidence, the University of the Free State Bachelor of Arts student who is the holder of a 3:41.59 1500m personal best time is excited about the prospect of taking on a relatively new event on the road. Mohlomi who is the reigning USSA 800m Champion is set to light up the streets of Durban during the Inaugural Phantane Street Mile on 31 May. 

He will face stiff competition from his teammate Motloung, SA 5 000m Champion Jerry Motsau, Corner De Fouw and Johannes Marepe. The man who hails from the small town of Fauresmith 130 km south west of Bloemfontein says he is aiming to be the first man across the finish line at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in order to pocket R8 000 in prize money. 

"I think it's going to be the first time I run a race in Durban. I'm going there to win the race. My plan is to go hard from the start. I’ve got nothing to lose. Overall, it's going to be an interesting race with good competition," he concluded.