Consistency is Pillay’s priority this season

Olympian Lythe Pillay has put remaining consistent throughout the season top of his agenda as he continues his build-up to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

Pillay’s consistency was often questioned last year after the 22-year-old started the season brilliantly, winning the national 400m title at the ASA senior track and field champs in Pietermaritzburg in a PB 44.31.

He also helped SA to a silver in the 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Relay championships in the Bahamas, running the last lap in the final in 44.42 – the third fastest time in the event – to finish second behind winners Botswana.

However, his form took a knock before the start of the Paris Olympics when an ankle niggle affected his preparation. His competition ended with a disappointing seventh in the semis of the men’s 400m.

“The best thing I’ve done is focusing more on being consistent, watching my diet and working on the smaller weaker areas that my coach and I identified. My main goal is to remain consistent,” said Pillay.

Also Read: Lythe wins ASA young athlete of the year award

While it was a discouraging end to his season, a recharged Pillay, a finalist in the senior male athlete of the year and personality of the year categories at the ASA Awards at Montecasino on January 25, will continue with the same formula that’s led to his success thus far.

The Arbor Primary alumna, ranked 15th in the men’s 400m globally, and his coach, Lindi-Lee du Plessis, a finalist for coach of the year at the ASA awards, are sticking with the same programme.

“We are going with the same approach. My coach and I have looked at areas where I can improve. So, it’s going to be the same programme, intensity, intention and mindset,” he said.

He has put the Paris Olympics behind him and is looking forward to defending his 400m title at the national senior track and field champs at McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom in April.

With the World Athletics Relay Championships in May and the Tokyo world champs top of the agenda, Pillay has his work cut out for him in what will be another busy season.

“The main goal is to qualify for the world champs but also maintaining my performances and performing well in major championships.”

Also Read: Pillay grateful to Wayde van Niekerk for his inspiration