After tough league setback race walker eyes championship podium
Following a painful race walking exit last month, Curro Rivonia athlete Paballo Lebuso is ready to return to the track, and compete for a podium spot.
Paballo Lebuso (15) is setting her sights on a podium finish as she prepares for the 2026 Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Provincial Track and Field Championships.
The athlete from Spark Rivonia will compete at the championships taking place at UJ Auckland Park Stadium on March 13 and 14, where she hopes to deliver a strong performance. She enters the race determined and focused, with a goal of finishing in the top four and clocking a time close to 29 minutes. “I’m aiming for at least a top four finish.”
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Her preparations come shortly after a challenging moment at the CGA Track and Field league 4, held at Germiston Stadium on February 28, where she was unable to complete the race after experiencing severe calf tightness during the 5 000m race walk. Despite the disappointment of not finishing, Paballo chose to treat the experience as a motivation rather than defeat. “I was excited and ready to work as it was my first league this year. Not finishing the race was really hard for me to accept, but I took it as a motivation to work harder.
“My body is feeling okay now. I’m working on my calf and trying by all means to not disturb its recovery as I’m preparing for the 2026 CGA Provincial Track and Field Championships.”
Paballo first fell in love with the sport in 2022, when she took up athletics as a way to improve her fitness. Since then, the long distance discipline has become her favourite, as she gets to challenge herself.
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Behind her determination is the support of her father, and the memory of her late mother, the two people who have played the biggest role in her journey.
Although she describes herself as shy, Paballo said the sport has helped her build confidence and resilience. “People do not know that Paballo has leadership skills, she is approachable and she loves spending time with funny people. When things don’t as planned, I remind myself of where I come from, and how this sport has changed who I am.
“In the next few years to come, I see myself as a professional athlete, representing the province or country.”
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