Kabelo Mulaudzi eyes Olympic Games qualification

Demonstrating remarkable skill in road races, he clinched victory in several 10km events last year. Now, his focus is set on achieving qualifying times of 13 minutes and 25 seconds in the 5000m and 27 minutes and 45 seconds in the 10 000m disciplines to secure his spot in the Games.

Mulaudzi will kick off his quest at the upcoming Senior Track and Field Championships followed by participation in other local meets next month.

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"My goal for this year is to try to qualify for the Olympics in 5000km or 1000km and focus on ABSA [Run Your City] and defend my titles, Durban 10km, ABSA in Tshwane and Hollywood and ASA Cross Country Championship," Mulaudzi said.

In 2023, Mulaudzi soared to new heights in his road running career, clinching victory in five prestigious 10km races, notably securing the top spot at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships.

Looking ahead, he gears up for the upcoming challenges, in the ASA 10km championships in partnership with the Motsepe Foundation Race to Equality in Johannesburg on 10 March, followed by the pinnacle at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia on 30 March.

"Last year was the best season ever in my life. Even this year, I'm looking forward to having a great season. So far my preparations these past two months are going well but for now I'm preparing for World Cross Country Championship and this race Motsepe Foundation, next week. I'll be competing in Serbia on the 3rd of March, so I'm looking forward to getting into the top 10, top 15, that's my goal," he added.

The Motsepe Foundation, partnering with ASA, offers a prize pool of R20 000 for the 10km and R42 000 for the 21.km half-marathon.

Nevertheless, Mulaudzi opts for the 10km event, aiming to clinch his first victory in the ASA 10km championships and secure the title of the national champion.

"That's been my dream to win ASA 10km road since last year and now I have for cross country, so I'm looking forward to win. If I can get a podium position, I will be happy."