WATCH: Pillay on course to defend title at nationals
Lythe Pillay clocked 45.74 in his first race of the season.
After recovering from an injury niggle sustained at the end of January, national 400m champion Lythe Pillay flaunted his talent when he finished second in the senior men’s race at the second Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix at the UJ Athletics Stadium on March 19.
Although the red-hot Udeme Okonhe pipped him to the pole position, Pillay was happy with his performance in his opening race.
Pillay crossed the line in 45.74, 0.47 seconds after Okon, who won in 45.27. Tumisang Shezi of TUT rounded up the podium 0.61 seconds after Pillay.
Speaking to the media after his race, the Brentwood Park resident acknowledged Okon’s talent, saying the world U20 champion is a strong runner whose hard work he admires.
“He’s in shape. Udeme is a good athlete. He definitely has talent and is working hard to get to where he is now,” he said.
“I just opened my season. I’ve just come back from a hamstring injury early in the year. Coming here, I always expect to run fast; today is no exception. I’m going to work hard from here. It’s a long year ahead.”
Reflecting on his performance, the 22-year-old, who has run under 45 seconds five times with a PB of 44.31 he clocked at the Msunduzi Stadium to win the national title last year, explained that he’s satisfied with his progress.
“I have to manage expectations. I have to listen to my body first and foremost. The goal is to get it right come the national championships. I’m pleased so far with the progress. It’s a good opener. We have a lot of work from here,” said Pillay.
Although not yet at his best, he’s looking forward to his rematch with Okon at the ASA Senior Champs in April in Potchefstroom, where he will attempt to defend his title.
“Udeme has set the tone for the year. He’s a contender. Sinesipho Dambile has also entered the chat. Leendart Koekemoer, my training partner, is also making waves. It’s healthy to see lots of upcoming and current athletes making it.
“Confrontations like these are good. Normally, I don’t confront most of my main competitors early in the year. But it’s nice. The faster the competition, the faster I have to run. The faster all of us are, the more dangerous we are come the relays.”
Pillay said he was disappointed at the Paris Olympics last year but is working again on becoming strong and fast.
“I won’t lie. I still have a bitter taste from last year. At the end of the season, I ran a fast time, which obviously leads you to a whole new expectation to maintain it. I need to pick up where I left off. I’m trying to get back stronger and faster this year,” Pillay said.
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