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South African middle-distance star Tshepo Tshite is aiming for a historic 800m and 1500m double at the National Championships, which kicks off tomorrow at the Puk McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom and runs until Saturday.
Competing in his home province, Tshite is attempting the double for the first time, driven by the desire to shine in front of his home crowd.
Securing both titles is a major goal for Tshite, especially in a year that features the World Senior Championships in Tokyo this September.
Fully prepared and motivated, he says he’s eager to hit the track and give it his all.
"My plan is to level up my endurance and my speed, that's why I'm going to run the 800m and 1500m.
"I've never done the double before, but I have to do it at the National Championships, because it will help me to sustain the body until July," declared Tshite.
The 28-year-old, who finished 12th in the men’s 1500m repechage at the Paris Olympic Games with a time of 3:35.35 last year, initially expressed frustration over the lack of support from the national federation, which he believes contributed to his underwhelming Olympic debut.
Despite his disappointment, he has chosen to move forward without complaint and is now focused on improving his performance this year.
"I have learnt that you have to focus on something that you can change. Something that I think I can change is my performance, without worrying too much about other people.
"I believe that if I can always try to improve where I lack, then I'll manage to run with those international standard athletes," said Tshite.
The Tuks-based athlete is determined not to be seen as someone who constantly complains when things don’t go as planned. For him, this year is about showing maturity and resilience.
At the same time, he acknowledges that the lack of support for middle-distance runners in South Africa continues to be a major challenge, especially on the global stage.
