Folavio fades to end sixth
South African 1 500-metre champion and local runner, Folavio Daniel Sehohle (Puma) and 2014 SA title holder, Jerry Motsau (Nedbank) were the star performers in Durban on Tuesday evening, battling strong winds in the first of four legs at the ASA Speed Series.
Motsau, who was supposed to compete against Sehohle in the TomTom Classic Shoot-out 1 000 metres, took the men’s title in 03:40,54.
It was a stellar line-up of athletes, with the likes of Dumisani Hlaselo, Rantso Mokopane and George Kusche, who recently set a junior record.
Also read: Sehohle finishes strong in the TomTom Classic
Sehohle chased down early leader and pacemaker, Tumisang Monnatlala, who got off to a great start.
Over the first 400 metres, Sehohle was 10th over the line and by the second lap, he moved up to the front runners. As soon as the bell rang for the last lap, he broke away.
See Sehohle’s race:
Sehohle was looking great as he pulled ahead over the last 200 metres with Motsau hot on his heels. Unfortunately, he faded in the last 80 metres and moved to the back of the pack, finishing sixth in 03:42,32.
“I tried my best, but my tactics didn’t work out for me. My kick was very bad, but after all I’m happy. Thanks to everyone who supported me. I was hoping to build early momentum for SAs and for Europe.
“It is back to reality and to try to do what is necessary,” Sehohle said.
“Anything from a sub-03:40 would have been possible, and I was looking forward on running my personal best. I still have two months to prepare for the nationals.”
Results
1. Jerry Motsau – 03:40,54
2. Nkosinathi Sibiya – 03:40,69
3. Rantso Mokopane – 03:40,82
4. George Kusche – 03:41,18
5. Siyabonga Derison – 03:41,42
6. Folavio Daniel Sehohle – 03:42,32
7. Tumisang Monnatlala – 03:45,09
8. Jeromy Andreas – 03:46,32
9. Clinton Swanepoel – 03:49,87
10. Dumisani Hlaselo – 03:49,93
11. Bruce-lynn Damons – 03:53,79
12. Mthokozsi Mazibuko – 03:59,96
13. Ntsanyane Ntsiya – 04:00,73.
