SA sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi sets realistic targets for World Champs

Currently holding the second-fastest 100m time (9.91 seconds) in South African history, trailing record holder Akani Simbine’s 9.84 seconds, Maswanganyi is optimistic as he prepares for his second World Championships. 

The 22-year-old, who is based at the University of Houston in the United States, benefits from the guidance of his coach, nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, who is helping him remain realistic in his targets.

"When I go to the Championships, I always say I want to put my best foot forward so I believe that, the way it stands right now, in order for me to compete for a medal, I need to look at the times around 9.80 or 9.81," said Maswanganyi.

"That's the time I want to say pretty much guarantees you a medal, and where I stand right now, I'm not far off, but I'm working towards that, and that's what me and my coach understand – everything is a building block.

"So, it would be unfair for me to sit here and say, 'Okay, I want to come home with a gold medal,' and so forth. That means I'm not being realistic with myself, but I'll be realistic in saying, 'You know what, the times I'm running right now, I should make a global final and have a shot at that.'"

After spending a month in South Africa to resolve visa matters, Maswanganyi is ready to return to the University of Houston with a packed schedule awaiting him.

Up next is a trip to China, where he will serve as the captain of Team SA at the World Student Games before he heads to Hungary to link up with the senior athletes at the World Champs.

"I'm going to be flying back to Houston to get some training leading up to the World Student Games, where I'll be captain of the South African athletics team, so I'm looking forward to that as another championship before the main championship," he added.

"I say that because what I'm used to in the [US] college system is competing in a championship back-to-back-to-back, and I know from mid-May to mid-June, I'm competing in a championship and that keeps you locked in.

"Because there's no point in going into a European meet, running just one race and seeing, 'Oh, okay, I'm here and here.' But, for you to actually go into another championship before... Because we all know Hungary is the main-main event."