International steeplechase silver for Pukke’s magical Mokopane
The current SA champion in the 3 000-metre steeplechase, Rantso Mokopane, recently took his next step on the ladder to athletics glory with a silver medal in the aforementioned event at the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei from 19 to 30 August. The first international medal for NWU-Pukke’s steeplechase champion is just the beginning of …
The current SA champion in the 3 000-metre steeplechase, Rantso Mokopane, recently took his next step on the ladder to athletics glory with a silver medal in the aforementioned event at the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei from 19 to 30 August.
The first international medal for NWU-Pukke’s steeplechase champion is just the beginning of something special.
The 23-year-old finished in 8:36.25, just behind Poland’s Krystian Zalewski in 8:35.88, and believes he could have won the race.
‘It was tight and I gave it my all. It was the perfect race, especially after the disappointment of not medalling in the 1 500-metre final.
I think I could’ve taken the race but I started attacking too late. All in all, I am really happy with the silver medal,’ he said, smiling, with his coach, Springs Phakathi, beside him.
Much of Mokopane’s success this past year can be put down to Phakathi’s no-nonsense approach to taking athletes to their limits and getting the best out of them.
Athletes such as Joel Mmone and Dikotsi Lekopa, to name but a few, are part of Phakathi’s training group.
‘I have been coaching athletes in middle and long distance for over 20 years.
Rantso’s success lies in his ability to push through the pain and keep motivated to improve himself every time. He is also a good listener,’ he added.
‘Coach Springs really pushes me that extra little but also knows what each one is capable of and focuses on the individual athlete.
I respect him as a coach and he respects me as an athlete.
We have a good relationship,’ said Mokopane.
The next goal for him will be to qualify for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Queensland where he hopes to represent South Africa and, once again, bring a medal home.
*Other Pukke achievements at the 2017 Summer Universiade
• Tshepang Makhete: Hammer throw – 69.77 metres (8th)
• Letitia Janse van Vuuren: Hammer throw – 56.81 metres (14th)
• Mpho Links: High jump – 2.23 metres (PB, 7th)
• Julia du Plessis: High jump – 1.80 metres (10th)
• Henco Uys: 800 metres – 1:47.59 (4th)
• Jo-Ané van Dyk: Javelin – 57.02 metres (PB, 9th)
• Johann Grobler: Javelin – 70.92 metres (15th)
