Lythe Pillay reflects on his comeback from a hamstring injury and his season opener

The two-time Olympian, made his season debut at Athletics South Africa’s Grand Prix at the University of Johannesburg’s Athletics Stadium, finishing second in 45.74 seconds behind Udeme Okon’s 45.27.

While the injury was a frustrating setback earlier in the year, Pillay was relieved to be back on the track in an official race after missing the Central Gauteng Athletics Provincial Championships and the first Grand Prix leg in Tshwane.

"I mean opened my season, came back from an injury now early in the year. So, I always expect myself to run fast, today is no exception, from here it's a long year ahead,” Pillay said.

“Six weeks into recovery, now I think I am in week eight, week nine, it was just something to navigate luckily not too severe but I mean, I have to manage expectations, I have to listen to my body first and foremost.

“My goal is to get it right come champs, obviously I must still get to the champs first. I'm pleased about the progress."

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The 22-year-old was humble in defeat, complimenting World Under-20 400m champion Udeme Okon for delivering an impressive race.

He expressed confidence that Okon has a promising future and can accomplish remarkable things by combining his talent with dedication and hard work.

"I mean he is in shape, Udeme is a good athlete. I would say he's talented but saying he's talented rubs off the hard work that he puts into it. He definitely has talent but he's working hard to get to where he is now."