Stephen Mokoka has sights set on Paris Olympics

South African runner Stephen Mokoka- Paris Olympics

Adnaan Mohamed

South African long-distance runner Stephen Mokoka says he has learned from his previous experiences and now has his sights set on a medal when he competes in his fourth Olympics in Paris in August. The 39-year-old from Mahikeng represented South Africa at the global showpiece in London in 2012, in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and in Japan in 2020.

Mokoka’s abilities over all distances

Since 2008, Mokoka has proven his ability over all distances. He managed to set a world record in his 50km debut, clocking 2:40:13 in Gqeberha in 2022. Mokoka will be making his debut at the Two Oceans 56km Ultra Marathon on Saturday, 13 April. He says he will be using the race as part of his preparations for the Olympics.

His preparations are currently on course having claimed his first major international medal at the World Road Running Championships in Riga in October last year. Mokoka also set his current personal best time of 2:06:42 at the Osaka Marathon last year. So, he is currently in the shape of his life.

“Yes, I have had disappointments at previous Olympics,” says Mokoka. “We know what went wrong. I was preparing in chilly weather, hoping to run well in the hot conditions. “The shape was there; the problem was the conditions. In the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, I need to be away from South Africa because it will be cold.

“I believe that with the support of my new club Hollywood Athletics who will help me to prepare overseas, something special will come.”