Moorosi Tsiane
MARATHONERS, Seutloali Khoarahlane and his wife ‘Neheng, are targeting bringing home medals in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.
The two are the only Lesotho athletes to have qualified for the Olympics. They left the country on Tuesday as their competitions are scheduled for 7 and 8 August 2021.
‘Neheng, who represented the country in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia said she was in good shape and was ready to do better than she did in Gold Coast.
“I am now in a better space than I was in Gold Coast and the experience I gained in Australia will be vital for me in the Olympics,” ‘Neheng said.
“The target is to win but should I fail, to win, I am hoping to at least make it to the podium and bring home a medal.
“I have had good preparations and most importantly, I have to work on improving my time. Given the training that I have been doing with my coach, I think and believe I can do it.”
‘Neheng was the last to qualify for the Olympics after clocking 2:28:06 to win the Retail Capital Langa Marathon in June this year while her husband qualified in 2019 clocking 2:11:04 to win Cape Town marathon.
On his part, Khoarahlane also echoed his wife sentiments and said he has been hard at work since his qualification.
“I have been training hard since qualifying and I have not run any race since then, except that I would be called to be a pace setter in different races. I think that helped a lot in my preparations.
“However, now my target is to do my country proud in Tokyo, so I am hoping for a podium finish and bring home a medal,” Seutloali said.
The ever-humble runner said he is wary that the conditions will be tough but said he was determined to make it.
“It will be my first appearance at the Olympics and I am aware that some of the world’s best runners will be present but I am ready for the challenge. I am proud of this moment,” Seutloali said.
