×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Sponsor comes to rescue for elite athlete

Makhanya gets chance for shot at the Olympics

Mapaseka Makhanya during the SPAR Women's Race Joburg 10/5km Race.
Mapaseka Makhanya during the SPAR Women's Race Joburg 10/5km Race.
Image: Veli Nhlapo/Sowetan

Mapaseka "Speedster" Makhanya received a dose of good news from her sponsors Nike yesterday. The sports apparel giant is in the process of arranging for her to run a marathon overseas, so that she can try to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, in July.

Since the lockdown started last year, the elite runner has not been able to earn an income in races. She gets by with the monthly stipend from her sponsor. She was planning to qualify for the Olympics in the 5000m and 1500m events, but that appears to be too late for her.

Her plan B is to try out for the marathon and Nike has come to her rescue by organising and financing her trip abroad for a marathon race.

The SA Olympic Games qualifying standard for the women in the 42.2km event is 2:29:30. 

Comrades marathon champion Gerda Steyn, Nolene Conrad and Glenrose Xaba are already in the women's team for Tokyo Olympics.

“Nike is arranging a race for me overseas and they will cover travel, accommodation and entry fees. They contacted me to give me the good news. I do not have money to secure a race overseas and the costs involved are ridiculous. Without a sponsor, it is nearly impossible to get to Europe. We are in a race against time to try to secure a race for next month. I would like to qualify for the Olympics in the marathon and believe that I can do it. With Nike by my side, anything is possible," Makhanya told Sowetan yesterday.

She said she would run her first 5000m of the season at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) meeting at the Boksburg Stadium next week Saturday. She will use track running to build speed and endurance, coming up against prominent runners Xaba and Irvette van Zyl at the CGA meeting.

“Although it's been stop-start, I have been training hard and preparing myself for the new season. Now that the worries of securing a marathon are behind me, I can work on my Olympic qualifying strategy."

Makhanya said the lack of opportunity to run qualifying marathons in SA is a cause for concern after the races were cancelled due to Covid-19. 

“[However] I am in good shape and in a better place emotionally to take on the Olympic challenge, despite the financial setbacks."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.