SA 400m hurdles star Sokwakhana Zazini optimistic after long-term injury

Zazini recently returned to racing at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix Continental Tour Challenger in Potchefstroom, clocking 48.13 seconds to finish seventh in the men’s 400m flat, which he used to assess his fitness level.

Acknowledging that he is still working on his race readiness, he feels his performance indicated he’s not yet at his peak condition this season.

"This is my first race after a big injury. Last year, after Doha, I got a grade-3 tear – it was a massive one, and I know that's not an excuse, that's why I'm not mad at myself [for finishing seventh]," said Zazini.

"I know from now on it's building up, and at least I ran injury and pain-free, and at least I know I can move better, so I'll take it from here and I'll keep on building."

Coached by Irma Reyneke, 2022 Gauteng Sports Awards Coach of the Year, at the University of Pretoria, Zazini faces the daunting task of rediscovering the form that propelled him to becoming a national champion two years ago.

"Oh, I'm very behind – I think I'm a month-and-a-half behind because I had to fix myself, I couldn't run. So I started training in December, and we're building," he added.

"I can see there's a lot of progress; I can see there's a lot of improvement; good things are going to happen, it's still a long season. 

"It's about just going, enjoying yourself and just feel the running again because it was 10-11 months without any running."

The 24-year-old is determined to make it to his second Olympic Games in Paris, with two Grand Prixs in Tshwane and Johannesburg, the ASA Senior Nationals and the European season still to come.

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