Mikia Kalati
Sprint king, Mosito Lehata, has returned to his training camp in Mauritius, as the athlete edges closer to full fitness following a muscle-tear.
The 24-year-old was injured in the final of the 200 metre-race at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow from 27 July to 3 August, ending the event in fourth position, and narrowly missing out on a medal.
However, the feat, which was watched by thousands of Basotho live on television, further endeared the athlete—who was already a household name in Lesotho—to the nation.
Speaking with the Lesotho Times from his Mauritius base, Lehata said he started light training this week and hopes to return to full action early next year.
“I am now back in Mauritius and started training on Monday this week as I work my way back to full fitness,” Lehata said.
“For now, I don’t have the exact date when I hope to be back on the track, but I think by early next year, I will be participating in low-profile races where there won’t be much pressure, and attention.
“The training facilities here in Mauritius, as well as the physiotherapist, will be very helpful in my recovery, and as far as things stand, I am making good progress and responding very well to my recuperating programme.”
Lehata also took time to reflect on his “well-deserved break” at home and spending “quality time” with his family and friends, following months of hard work abroad.
“It’s been tough since I started my training programme here in Mauritius in 2010 and believe me, it was amazing to be back home among my own people,” said Lehata.
“Now the honeymoon is over and it’s back to work again as I focus on doing well in future competitions.
“Like I said before, the plan is to do well at next year’s World Championships set for Beijing, China,” Lehata said, adding he also intends to run at the 2015 All-Africa Games to be held in Brazzaville, in the Republic of Congo.
“I would want to be there in Congo and win a gold medal for my country. I think I owe a lot to my country for all the support I have been given hence my determination to win a gold medal at the All-Africa Games.”
