Karabo More reflects on becoming the African 1500m champion

Speaking during the launch of the Spar Tshwane Women’s 10km Challenge, the talented middle-distance runner said winning the continental title in her debut appearance at the championships came as a surprise and exceeded her own expectations. 

More says she is proud of her achievement and grateful for the support she continues to receive.

"First of all, I am very proud of myself and happy. I didn't expect it, but they say that when the time is right, the Lord will make it happen, and He made it. I really appreciate it," said More.

READ: Glenrose Xaba to miss Spar Women’s 10km race in Durban

More, who trains under the guidance of Caster Semenya and Violet Semenya in Tshwane, said she remained focused despite the challenges athletes experienced with food and conditions in Accra during the championships.

The 24-year-old explained that competing in a different environment taught her how to adapt quickly and stay mentally strong, which helped her secure a memorable gold medal for South Africa in West Africa.

"I think being in a different environment is all about adapting to it, so I just had to blend in and try to fit in with any other person that was there. The food, the service; you just have to get used to it. I mean, you are there already; you can't turn back. So, yeah , it was quite a good experience for us to know how other countries operate and how they are."

More has enjoyed an outstanding season so far, winning the Athletics Gauteng North provincial title, the South African national title, and now the African crown.

Despite her impressive achievements, the rising star believes there is still room for improvement and insists she will continue working hard to reach greater heights in the sport.

The versatile athlete, who competes both on the track and road, believes the level of women’s middle-distance running in South Africa is steadily improving and beginning to match the standards of stronger nations on the continent and around the world.

She says more South African women are emerging and showing great potential in middle-distance events.

More, who trains alongside Glenrose Xaba and Karabo Mailula at the Masai Athletics Club in Tshwane, says she continues to learn valuable lessons from her training group and coaches.

She believes discipline, consistency, and hard work remain the key ingredients behind the team’s success and growth.