'This is monumental' – Phethisang Makhethe after breaking the SA hammer throw record

After recapturing her South Africa women's hammer throw record, Phethisang Makhethe has set her sights on breaking the 70m barrier this season. The 2018 African Youth Games silver medallist achieved the milestone on May 16 when she threw over 68m for the first time in her career with a 68.66m heave during the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene to take second place.

"Honestly, it didn't sink in until after receiving the medal and speaking with Coach Deanna Price. Before the throw, my focus was on staying calm and executing what Coach Lambert and I had practiced," she told #TheTopRunner.

Makhethe lost her then SA record of 65.40m, set in 2022, to Leandri Holtzhausen earlier this year when the University of Johannesburg athlete tossed 67.95m at an ASA Grand Prix meeting in Pretoria. The 22-year old US-based college student enjoyed a stellar 2022 but faced some challenges in the past two years, only producing a 61.93m season's best last year. She came back with renewed purpose this year, starting her outdoor season with 64.35m at the Pepsi Florida Relays on April 4. She then broke her personal best by 6cm at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational on April 18 before going over 66m for the first with a 66.80m heave at the Gary Wieneke Memorial on May 2, which set the foundation for the best performance of her career.

Makhethe has been in red hot form this season. Photo Credit: University of Illinois.

"Since my outdoor season started, I felt that breaking the record was a given. I just had to execute one throw correctly. It just happened to be the last throw at the conference meet," she said. "This achievement is monumental. After dominating in 2022 and facing tough mental and emotional seasons in 2023 and 2024 that impacted my progress, breaking through now proves we are back stronger. It's a powerful indicator of our growth and momentum. Professionally, it solidifies my pursuit of bigger dreams and I'm excited for even bigger throws ahead."

After this achievement, the athlete who hails from the town of Sasolburg in the northern Free State, has her sights on the FISU World University Games in Germany in July, the World Athletics Champs in Tokyo in September and improving her PB. But the main goal is making the South African team which will compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Makhethe who matriculated at HTS Sasolburg, represented South Africa at the BRICS Games in 2024. She will don the green and gold at the World University Games in Germany in July. Photo Credit: Tshepang Makhethe.

"I'm focused on improving my PB and breaking the 70m barrier this season. With hard work and dedication, my ultimate goal is to make the team for LA 2028. I'm currently aiming to qualify for the World University Games team. As for the world championships, achieving a top 32 world ranking could make it possible," explained Makhethe who is a student at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

The thrower cited her brother, two-time national hammer throw champion, Tshepang Makhethe and her coaches at the University of Illinois, JC Lambert and Deanna Price for their influence in her development. "My brother Tshepang is trailblazer in our family. I still seek his advice and he coached me before moving to the States. Coaches Lambert and Deanna Price have also been instrumental. I've learned immensely from their expertise in how to prepare for competitions. They were patient with me, despite how the past two years went and have continued to support and believe in me."