Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 62, September 2014 | Page 16

Ma

feature

Double
Trouble
MA: How does running affect your
relationship?

Lebo: Our boy loves running, too. He goes,
‘On your marks, set, go!’ and runs all over
the house. But we’re set on him being our
Chad le Clos! When Lebo finished sixth, I
knew she was on track and coming back
strong! That and her win at the Totalsports
Ladies Race in Jo’burg. I’m so happy for her.

Lebo: Well, I wouldn’t be running without
my sister. I was into soccer and drama at
school in Soweto, so when she qualified for
the Commonwealth Youth Games in Poland, I
wanted to try myself. She was my first running
role model.

MA: Will you ever consider the longer
races?

Lebogang: Looking at last year, when I was
struggling with performances coming off
maternity leave, Lebo was always helping me
and she knew that I’d be back. With Lebo in
Pretoria and me in Soweto, we don’t see each
other as often, but we constantly talk. I’ll say
‘Lebo, I did my 1000m in this time, so you
better watch out, because I’m running at your
peak!’
MA: Lebogang, you’ve probably had to
juggle being a new mom while getting
back into training?
Lebogang: It’s a huge step knowing you need
to train and find a nanny. So Lebo, my mother,
my brothers, my husband all help. I’ve made a
schedule – when I have to feed him, when to
run. Lebo is always there for me and I’m her
support. Some people were happy because
we weren’t racing together, but now double
trouble is back!

Lebo: My sister is my ‘Dr Phil.’ We share so
much, so it was different when she wasn’t
competing.
16

Images: Reg Caldercott

After years as a formidable duo in South
African athletics, clinching results on
track, cross-country and road, Lebo and
Lebogang Phalula are po