Nkosinathi Sibiya to use Cape Milers as last hope for Olympic qualifier

Sibiya last week claimed second-place at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Senior Track and Field Championships in Pietermaritzburg, where he recorded a time of 03:40.65.

With a personal best of 03:37, Sibiya must shave four seconds off to hit the Olympic qualifying mark of 03:33 and secure his spot on Team South Africa's Olympic team.

“Everything is going according to plan. Although my goal was to secure a gold medal at the national championships, I’m still satisfied with taking home the silver,” Sibiya shared in an interview with SABC Sport.

“The Cape Miler is my next challenge. I’m aiming for an Olympic qualifying time. With a line-up that includes top athletes from South Africa and beyond, I’m optimistic about my chances of running a fast time. 

"The final will feature 24 competitors, and that should naturally lead to quicker times. I will arrive in Cape Town in the morning and race in the evening, but I’m feeling healthy and prepared to chase that Olympic spot."

Tshepo Tshite remains the only South African to have qualified for the men’s Olympic 1 500m, with two more spots up for grabs, and Sibiya is optimistic of realising his dream.

"I’ve never competed in the Olympics, but after winning the 1 500m national titles three years in succession, I believe this could be the year I realise my dream," he added.

"Just last month, I also clinched a national University Sport South Africa (USSA) 5 000m title right here in Cape Town, so returning to a familiar and successful venue would help me."

READ: Benjamin Richardson upsets Wayde Van Niekerk to clinch Olympic qualification