Stephen Mokoka advises young athletes to focus on a single discipline

At 39, Mokoka initially began his career on the track before transitioning to road racing, where he has achieved notable success.

His impressive accomplishments include representing South Africa in four Olympic Games and winning the Cape Town Marathon four times.

In a recent interview with SABC Sport, Mokoka discussed the attributes necessary to become an Olympian and shed light on the secrets behind his enduring career.

Mokoka, representing the Hollywood Athletics Club, advised young athletes to focus on one discipline at a time.

He recommended gaining experience in track events before transitioning to marathon running, to prevent injuries and avoid unnecessary pressure.

In his interview with SABC Sport, Mokoka, who is taking an extended break from the sport after completing his second marathon at the Paris Olympics, emphasized the importance of focus and dedication. 

"It's all about putting in the work, maintaining discipline, and staying dedicated. You need to concentrate on one goal and avoid spreading yourself too thin. Trying to juggle multiple objectives can be counterproductive. If you focus on doing one thing well and at the right time, it will eventually pay off," he advised young athletes, urging them to be patient with their progress.

He shared with the national broadcaster that the key to his enduring success in the sport is his discipline and his commitment to listening to his coach, Michael Seme.

Mokoka, who has won the Shanghai Marathon four times, believes that maintaining a long-term relationship with a single coach has been crucial to his achievements.

Mokoka, who holds a sports science degree from Tshwane University of Technology, shared his approach: “My secret to success is extensive training, discipline, and dedication, coupled with minimal racing. Excessive racing can lead to injuries and fatigue, which can hinder an athlete's progress. I encourage younger athletes to focus more on training and less on racing; this will benefit their long-term development in the sport. Additionally, investing in education is crucial, as sports careers are often short-lived.”