Tumi Ramokgopha targets podium at World Athletics U20 Championships

The junior world champs will take place from 5-9 August at the famous Hayward Field in Eugene, with the talented sprinter, who won bronze at the Commonwealth Youth Games, relishing her opportunity to continue her rise on the global stage.

Ramakgopa, the SA junior 100m hurdles record holder, says she is travelling to the United States with one goal in mind – reaching the podium and making the country proud.

“Luckily, it’s not a big deal for me because I’ve been racing against seniors since I was 15 years old. I actually enjoy it because it pushes me to improve all the time," the 18-year-old told SABC Sport. 

"I don’t want to get too comfortable, and competing at that level motivates me. My main focus this year is the World Juniors, and that is the biggest goal for me.”

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Ramokgopha admitted that the previous World Junior Championships did not go according to plan, but she believes she is now more mature, experienced, and ready to challenge for a medal.

The Kempton Park-based athlete, who is currently studying towards a BA General degree at the University of Pretoria, says her long-term dream is still to break the South African senior hurdles record.

“That remains the ultimate goal in my career, and I want to run as fast as possible. But right now, my focus is fully on Eugene and trying to win a medal there,” Ramakgopa said.

Meanwhile, Athletics South Africa has announced a 51-member preliminary squad for the global championships, including 27 male and 24 female athletes who have met the federation’s qualifying standards.

The final team will be confirmed in June, giving athletes who have not yet secured their places another opportunity to qualify before the championships begin.

Image by Athletics South Africa/Cecilia van Bers