Elspark athlete Kamogelo Mnisi earns silver at SASA nationals
Elspark High School learner Kamogelo Mnisi secured a silver medal in the 5km walk at the SASA National Championships while balancing top academic performances and competitive athletics.
Kamogelo Mnisi is celebrating her recent success after winning a silver medal in the 5km walk race at the South African Schools Athletics (SASA) National Championships.
The Elspark High School Grade 12 learner competed in the girls U19 event in an impressive time of 31 minutes and 23 seconds, adding to the silver medal she had already secured at the provincial championships. Her latest achievement officially crowns her as a national silver medalist.
Balancing academics and competitive sport has not been easy for Mnisi, who is also among the top achievers in geography and English Home Language at her school. With university studies approaching, she reflected on the challenges of managing both responsibilities.
“To balance both the books and competitive sports is not always easy, but you have to find the balance,” she said.
Mnisi’s athletic journey began at 14 and gained momentum after she joined Trinity Athletics Club. Initially, race walking was not her preferred event, but her coach’s encouragement changed her perspective.
“At first, I was not doing the walk, but my coach convinced me to do it. I never knew it would be something that I would end up liking,” she explained.
Apart from race walking, Mnisi also competed in the 5000m event at the District 6 championships. She regularly takes part in both the 5km and 10km walk events under her club colours and also competes in cross-country during the track and field off-season.
Her club teammate, Heylinn Nelson, also enjoyed success at the SASA Nationals after winning a gold medal in the 5km walk in the U17 division.
Nelson also competed in the steeplechase events, where she finished fourth and narrowly missed qualifying for nationals.
In long-distance events, she reached the District 6 Championships, placing third in the 1300m event and fourth in the 1500m in the same U17 division.
Nelson admitted that the 5km walk event remains her standout achievement after earning her first national gold medal.
“In all, I’ve now competed in three nationals under the school banner,” said Nelson.
Their coach, Randolf Nelson, expressed pride in the athletes, praising their hard work and dedication throughout the season.
“For Nelson, she needs to cut down the time. We are eyeing the 1.6km street race, hosted by Zithulele Sinqe Foundation in collaboration with Central Gauteng Athletics,” said the coach.
“For Mnisi, she has a decision to make once she finishes school, whether she will still be with the club, as varsity operates at a different level.”
