Don’t over race – Michael Seme warns athletes

Speaking to SABC Sport, Seme, who leads the Sponge training group in Tshwane, highlighted the success of East African athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia.

He emphasized that their excellence stems from a strategic focus on prioritizing races over monetary considerations.

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“The upcoming season is on the horizon, and athletes are already crunching numbers, contemplating the financial gains of participating in numerous 10km races.  This money-focused mindset, if unchecked, can eventually result in fatigue, adversely impacting performance. My advice is to carefully examine the calendar, strategically choosing two or three races to prioritize. It’s crucial to resist the temptation of participating in every national, 10km event, or other competitions throughout the season. Attempting to race in every event is not only impractical but also compromises the overall quality of the athlete,” advised Seme in his interview with the national broadcaster.

The official release of the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 2024 fixture list is still pending, and Seme continues to assert that there is an excessive number of local races.

In light of this, he has advised his athletes against attempting to participate in all of them emphasizing the importance of strategic calendar management, especially during an Olympic year.

“There are many events, ranging from Olympic qualifiers and national races to sponsor competitions. It’s a substantial load that requires meticulous handling. Athletes must avoid inadequate training and excessive competition. In essence, I’m emphasizing the importance of coaches and athletes effectively coordinating the calendar and managing athletes ‘expectations,” said Seme.

Seme overseas a training group that includes accomplished athletes such as Stephen Mokoka, who has secured a spot in the Olympic Games marathon, along with Collen Mulaudzi and Cacisile Sosibo.