Michael Seme dedicating time to annual athletics training camp

Seme, one of South Africa’s most distinguished athletics coaches – affectionately known as 'Sponge' in the athletics community, is tirelessly guiding a group of 20 athletes across various distances in a 30-day training programme that commenced on December 1.

READ: Caster Semenya: It disappoints to see how weak we are as Africans, Asians

Holder of both World Athletics level 5 and Athletics South Africa (ASA) level 3 coaching qualifications, the 64-year-old continues to make significant contributions to the field he passionately embraces.

"We’ve enrolled 20 athletes, each contributing R2 500 for the training camp. This amount encompasses their daily needs and accommodation arranged at a University of Johannesburg student residence for the entire programme in Klipspruit," Seme told SABC Sport.

Our training sessions take place at the Soweto campus in Pimville, featuring morning sessions that include extensive runs to foster comprehensive development among athletes at the Sponge Training Camp. 

"Athletes have only brought their essentials such as plates, blankets, cups, and toiletries, reflecting the diverse focus in middle-distance, marathon, and sprint disciplines."

Having commenced coaching in 1991, Seme, who discovered the double Olympic 800m women’s champion Caster Semenya, explained the primary objective of the camp is to ready athletes for the upcoming 2024 season.

“It is currently the off-season, and our focus is on building their strength. January marks the preseason, when they must ensure the well-being of their muscles," he added.

"As we approach the Olympic year, preparations begin now rather than waiting for the New Year. My objective is to ensure the promising future of South African athletics by providing dedicated attention to each and treating it with the respect it deserves.

Seme, who coaches the likes of Stephen Mokoka, Cecisile Sosibo, and Collen Mulaudzi, is also the father of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s first finisher in this year’s Comrades Marathon, Sikhumbuzo Seme.

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