From Mhluzi to the international stage
Mpho Tladi was one of the favourites to win the gold medal at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Columbia.
Not only has his 13.44s been the fastest time in 110m hurdles this year, but his 13.53s was the second fastest in the qualifying heats.
Unfortunately, “a poor mistake” in the semi-finals (he hit a hurdle) saw him ending ninth in a time of 13.63s. France’s Matteo Ngo was crowned the eventual champion, crossing the line in 13.53s. Tladi’s time in the qualifiers…
“It did not go according to plan, but I am going to work harder towards any competition in the future. It was, however, an amazing experience.”
And Tladi’s next big championship is the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa where he is part of a South African athletics squad that includes big names such as Burger Lambrechts and Werner Visser.
The former Middelburg Primary School pupil is currently at Jeppe Boys High in Johannesburg and confesses that he misses his hometown. “Home is where the heart is and I miss my family, friends and good food.”
The 17 year-old is also a very good rugby player, representing the Puma u/13 team in 2011. “I stopped playing in my u/15 year to concentrate solely on athletics. I miss rugby, but I wouldn’t go back (playing it).”
He looks up to sport greats such as Muhammed Ali and Usain Bolt. “Ali was the world’s best boxer and his confidence was just amazing; he knew what he had to do. Bolt is remarkable and a legend of the sprinting game.”
He trains everyday and tries to cover all the bases of hurdling – strength, stamina and speed.
Will he be able to go faster?
“It is difficult to say, but with hard work and dedication, I think so!”
If you were to pick a song with the best lyrics to describe Tladi’s athletics career, it would be Matthew Wilder’s “Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride”.
Because he most certainly will not be slowing down in the months to come.
• Tladi’s best times:
13:44s at the SA School Championships in Rustenburg
13:53s during the qualifying heat at the IAAF World Youth Championships.
• SA athletics team for the Commonwealth Youth Games:
Boys: Kyle Appel, Tlotliso Leotlela, Mpho Tladi, Werner Visser and Burger Lambrechts.
Girls: Nicola de Bruyn, Taylon Bieldt and Renate van Tonder.
