In a display of sheer talent and determination, some of Lesotho’s finest athletes showcased their prowess on the international stage this weekend. Mokulubete Makatisi and Tumelo Makae, two of Lesotho National Olympic Committee’s scholarship students, embarked on challenging competitions, leaving an indelible mark on their respective sports.
Mokulubete Makatisi, fresh from her recent triumph at the Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town last weekend, where she clocked an impressive time of 1:13:52, has now set her sights on the Vienna City Marathon in Austria, that will take place today, April 21st. The marathon will be a grueling 42-kilometer test of endurance, but will also present Makatisi an opportunity to further solidify her credentials as a rising star in long-distance running. With the Paris 2024 Olympics looming on the horizon, Makatisi said she is aiming to meet the stringent Olympic qualifying time of 2:26:50. Her hopes are pinned on a fast-paced race in Vienna, where every stride counts towards her Olympic dream.
Meanwhile, Tumelo Makae, a devoted cyclist in Lesotho’s cycling fraternity and a seven-time national champion, took to the rugged trails of Namibia for the Nedbank Namibia XC1 Mountain Bike Cross Country event on Saturday 20th April. Recognized by the International Cycling Union (UCI) as a class 1 event for ranking points, the competition offered Tumelo Makae a platform to assert his dominance in the sport of cycling. Tumelo Makae’s participation not only adds to his illustrious career but also contributes to Lesotho’s standing in the Olympic rankings. Currently sitting at 3rd place in Africa, behind powerhouses South Africa and Namibia, Lesotho’s presence in international cycling events is steadily gaining recognition and respect.
