ROAD RUNNING
A New Approach
In 2021 , after more than a decade working with renowned coach Michael Seme , Xaba surprised many by signing up to be coached by former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya and her wife Violet . She says one of the targets the new coaching team set for her in a five-year plan was to become one of the fastest and most dominant women in the middle distances in South Africa . Given her results , rapid improvement and now the record , it seems the plan is working .
“ When I started with Caster and Violet , we set a five-year plan to work on it , and I think the strength I have put into training has made it possible for things to be achieved so fast . We have a special working relationship because we have known each other for quite some time . It ’ s good to have a strong relationship , because it makes our work easier ,” says Xaba .
“ So , to set a record didn ’ t come as a surprise to me . I have been training hard and have lost weight big time ,” she continues . “ I think after I ran 31:56 at SPAR Durban in June , I saw that I ’ m more than capable of running faster . It was just a matter of achieving it . I knew that with the upcoming Absa Durban 10K race , there would be good competition , and it is one of the races designed to help the country ’ s athletes to clock the fast times .”
No Olympic Regrets
Xaba believes that the new record came at just the right time to help her forget the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 10,000m at this year ’ s Olympics in Paris , although there are still some mixed feelings . “ I feel if the Durban race came up earlier , and I broke the record , then I would have been able to qualify for the Olympics via the rankings . Not qualifying for Paris was disappointing for me , but it ’ s one of those things you can ’ t control ,” she says .
“ I don ’ t feel bad , though , as I have time on my side to qualify for the Olympics . I ’ m still young , so in four years ’ time , I ’ ll attempt to qualify for it over the marathon distance . From next year , I ’ m stepping up to longer distances , and I think I ’ m capable of running fast there , too . So , being able to set a record at 10km made me feel special , and my parents are happy that I ’ m being recognised as the record-holder . The Olympics will still come , but for now , the excitement I feel is thanks to the time I have clocked and the record .”
While the marathon may be the long-term goal , the immediate next goal for Xaba is to continue her incredible 10km form and try to win the SPAR Grand Prix again . She was the last South African to achieve this back in 2018 , and is currently in the top spot on the 2024 points log . “ I believe 2024 is the best year I have ever had in my running career , but that doesn ’ t mean I can relax , and not continue to work hard . Being a record-holder doesn ’ t mean good results will just continue to come . It ’ s time to go back to the drawing board and continue to work hard ,” says Xaba .
“ In my mind , I know I ’ m capable of running more good times , so I must achieve that – and it is possible with the right attitude . Also , more athletes in the country will want to chase after me now , so I must be ready for them . I would be very happy if I can win the Grand Prix , because it has been dominated by international runners . I have done it in the past , and the shape I ’ m in indicates that I am able to do it again . It will also bring back the pride and respect for South African women ’ s running if I am able to do it . That is my one wish I have for the rest of this year .”
About the Author
Tathe Msimango is a Durban-based freelance sport journalist , podcaster and digital content creator , with a particular interest in all things running . He is a regular contributor to various platforms and outlets , including Kaya FM , The Top Runner and Blizzard magazine in the UK .
Glenrose currently tops the points log in the 2024 SPAR Gand Prix
36
Ready to push
ISSUE 170 | www . modernathlete . co . za on to even faster times this year