Sprinter Thapelo Phora announces his retirement after a string of injury setbacks

Phora, who made his Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games in the 400m and 4x400m relay, suffered a career-ending injury while playing football.

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 After being rushed to the hospital, he was advised that he could no longer continue in the sport.

The Mamelodi-born athlete, who won a silver medal in the 400m at the 2018 and 2019 African Championships and All-Africa Games, also earned three national silver medals during his nine-year career. 

His final competition was at the National Championships in Pietermaritzburg, where he exited in the 400m semi-finals earlier this year.

“I was coaching at one of the schools where I usually work, and after our training session, the fellow coaches and I decided to play soccer. Unfortunately, I landed awkwardly, and I immediately knew something was wrong when I heard the bone break. At that moment, I realized my career was over. I broke my fibula, fractured my ankle, and tore a ligament. I was rushed to Milpark hospital, where I underwent surgery to have an iron plate, screws, and wire inserted. The doctor told me I won’t be able to run again due to the severity of the injuries. It’s been 12 weeks now, and I’m slowly adjusting to walking with crutches. I had big plans for next year, hoping to qualify for the World Championships in Japan,” Phora told SABC Sport, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Phora, overwhelmed with emotion as he steps away from the sport he loves, has a younger brother, Musa (23), who is currently competing in the 400m event. Phora hopes that Musa will follow in his footsteps and eventually represent their country. Beyond his athletics career, Phora holds a Diploma in Physical Education and works as a personal trainer and coach, offering his expertise at local schools. He also holds several coaching qualifications, including a Level 1 Sprint, Hurdles, and Relay certificate, a Level 1 World Athletics coaching badge, and a Level 1 Jumps certificate, along with an NQF Level 4 coaching badge.  

Phora expressed deep gratitude for the mentorship he received from his former coaches Hennie Kriel, Nico Van Heerden, and Wille de Beer, acknowledging that their guidance was crucial to his career success. “This is not the end,” said Phora.

“I believe the future of the South African 400m event is promising. Watching athletes like Lythe Pillay compete in the Olympics gives me hope that South Africa will excel in the years to come. My goal is to become a top coach and help foster the growth of the sport,” he added.