Tshepo Tshite eager to take on the tough competition at the Grand Slam in the USA

Having left for the US on Monday, Tshite shared his excitement with SABC Sport about competing in both the 800m and 1500m races, where he will face off against some of the world’s top middle-distance athletes. 

Many of his competitors are finalists from the 800m and 1500m events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Tshite views this opportunity as a chance to enhance his performance and improve his times in both events.

"The competition will be fierce, that's why my approach will be different this year. I've been doing more 800m events than 1500m events because I know the competition that I'll be facing is really tough," said Tshite.

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Fresh from winning the 800m title in Potchefstroom last week, Tshite opted not to compete in the 1500m in the North West province, choosing instead to focus on an upcoming event in the United States. 

He believes the international invitation will help compensate for the limited racing opportunities at home, especially with the European season now underway.

"It's going to give me that special something. Usually around July, my body starts to fatigue, that's why I'm starting to approach the athletics season differently.

"So far, things have been going really well. Our season is slow, and we have too many races in between, so your preparation and planning must be spot on," explained Tshite. 

With the World Senior Championships scheduled for September in Tokyo, Japan, the 28-year-old believes the South African athletics season starts too early. 

As a result, local athletes tend to peak well before the global event and are often fatigued by the time the championships take place. 

"Usually, we qualify early. You qualify for something that's going to take place in six months time, which makes it difficult to sustain a certain level," said the aspirant athlete. 

The North West-born athlete, who was orphaned at a young age, uses his talent in athletics to provide for his family. He has already qualified for the 1500m and remains optimistic about earning a spot in the 800m as well.