Thobile Mkhize, a first-year student at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, brought home a bronze medal from the Confederation of University and Colleges Sports Associations (CUCSA) Track and Field Games held in Malawi from 28 August to 3 September.
Mkhize competed in the 1 500 m race, securing third place.
Earlier this year, she participated in the United States Students Association (Ussa) Track and Field Championships, where she qualified for the competition by completing the race in record time.
Among other achievements, she is the champion in the Free State’s 10 km marathon, as well as being the first black CUT female student athlete to get national colours.
Mkhize has expressed that representing the CUT and wearing the national colours is her greatest achievement.
“It’s been a long journey, and representing the country is a huge achievement because it is my first time doing so,” said Mkhize.
A small-town girl from Mkhambathini, KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhize started running in primary school.
“I get most of my support from my twin sister and close friends, as my parents have passed away. My sister is my greatest strength; she is my rhythm.”
The bronze-medal winner also said that running required a lot of commitment and discipline.
“My biggest dream is to run at the Olympics because it is the biggest platform in sports as a whole.
“Running has given me the opportunity to visit other countries, and experience different ways of life. I’ve also learnt to be more appreciative of the little things.”
