Thobile Mkhize has put the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Free State on the map after she brought a bronze medal home from the 2022 Confederation of University and Colleges Sports Associations track and field games.
The games were held in Lilongwe, Malawi from the end of August to the first week of September, where Mkhize came third in the 1500m race.
Earlier this year, the first-year student at CUT took part in the United States Students Association Track and Field Championships and completed the race in record time.
Born and raised in Mkhambathini in KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhize gets her inspiration from her twin sister. “I get most of my support from my twin sister and close friends, as my parents have passed away,” she said.
“My sister is my greatest strength; she is my rhythm. I started running in primary school and after realising my potential I never looked back, so basically, I have been running my whole life.”
She added that racing requires discipline and commitment, noting that it is difficult because she also wants to focus on other things.
“It has been a long journey, but this has been my biggest achievement, because I was not only representing the varsity but the country as a whole.”
Mkhize also expressed her wish to participate in Olympics.
“I am working towards this goal and I would be grateful to get the opportunity. Running has also given me the opportunity to visit other countries and experience different ways of life. I’ve also learnt to be more appreciative of the little things,” she said.
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