Prudence Sekgodiso off to her first indoor race in Belgravia

The 23-year-old has already secured qualification for the World Indoor Championships in China from 23-25 March and the World Senior Championships in Tokyo in September.

Excited about her first indoor competition in Europe, Sekgodiso says her main goal is to enjoy the experience.

"I don't know but I have been thinking about them for the past two years but I was just nervous. So, I was like, you know what let me give them a shot and see what I can do,” Sekgodiso said.

“It was my coach and I planned to try them, I'm not expecting much or anything but I'm just gonna give it my all and make everyone proud. I'm leaving tomorrow for my first indoor in Belgravia and I'm gonna be racing on Wednesday, the 29th."

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Sekgodiso, an 800m outdoor specialist, has taken the opportunity to observe and analyse indoor events, noting several key differences in approach.

Eager to broaden her skills, she is determined to gain valuable experience and embrace the challenges of this new discipline.

"Well, I have watched a few races for the past few days, it looks a bit different from the outdoor but like I said I'm just gonna run my race and do the best, have that experience and fly the South African flag high and hopefully I qualify for the World Champs," she added.

The 2024 Athletics South Africa's (ASA) Female Track Athlete of the Year and Personality of the Year aims to challenge the 800m indoor national record of 2:05.72, set by Angela Wagner in February 2010 in Seattle, USA, all while keeping the pressure off herself.

"Well, we have looked at the USA record, it looks simple but I don't wanna say I'm gonna break it because I've never run indoors before. So, I don't know what's gonna happen but I have hopes and belief that I'm gonna try and break the record but I don't wanna promise anyone, anything. I'm just gonna run and enjoy and have fun."