Kagiso-born athlete – ‘Never stop believing in the power of dreams’
Kagiso athlete Lebogang Mosito, outshines himself in the United States of America.
A Mogale City born athlete with a passion for track running has pushed himself beyond his expectations, flying the South African flag high in the United State of America with his brilliant achievements.
Lebogang Thobile Mosito, born and raised in the community of Kagiso, was named the Men’s Track Athlete of the Year in 2018 by the US Track and Field, Cross Country Coaches Association (USFCCCA). He started his sports career at SG Mafaesa Secondary School where he was not an academic, which made his mother angry sometimes.
“I chose Science as my main stream during my high school days, and later changed to History after I failed Grade 10. My mother did not want to hear anything about sports, she actually thought I was wasting my time because I was always busy with it,” he explained.
Mosito, who is currently doing his final year in Film and Production at Middle Tennessee State University, has been in the USA for four years. It has been quite an amazing experience for him.
“I was awarded three national championship awards from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). I also received the Man of the Year 2017 award for outdoor and field track. My biggest achievement was when I was named Athlete of the Year 2018. I could not have been more proud of myself. When I look at all the medals and awards I have received, they only make me want to work even harder,” Mosito told the News.
Despite his great achievements, the 25-year-old has had his fair share of challenges, but his support system keeps him going.
“I have to balance academics and sports, and it’s really tough. I do have sleepless nights, trying to finish my assignments. Whenever I feel pressured, I remember my siblings back at home and remind myself who I am doing this for. My mother means everything to me and I could not have come this far if it was not for her,” he said.
Every time he comes back home, he visits his previous school to try and encourage the learners that if you put your mind to something, it will happen.
“It is imperative that I speak words of encouragement in my community. I have seen what believing in yourself can do. If anything, I want to instil a positive mindset in my community and urge them to never stop believing in the power of their dreams.
“I want to win the long-distance Olympic medal for South Africa one day,” Mosito concluded.
