‘Swazi Bolt’ sets new national record
MBABANE – Eswatini’s fastest sprinter Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa, started his athletics season on a high note by setting a new national record in the 150-metre race yesterday in South Africa.
This impressive performance took place during the AGN 300m race at Pilditch Stadium, where Matsenjwa secured second position with a time of 15.33 seconds. He was closely behind renowned South Africa’s athlete Akani Simbine, who took first place with a time of 15.04 seconds.
Matsenjwa, who was competing in his first race of the year, expressed his happiness at breaking his own national record, which he had previously set in 2018 during the Athletics Gauteng League Meet at the same stadium.
Stadium
Pilditch Stadium is located in the showground’s complex of Pretoria, a city situated in the Northern part of the Gauteng Province in South Africa.
“I’m happy to have broken the 150 metres national record that I set in 2018 in Pretoria, at the University of Pretoria’s athletics facilities. This achievement really motivates me, especially since it was my first race of the season and I have already set a new national record. It demonstrates a promising approach as I prepare for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic
Games,” he said.
Matsenjwa stated that he was taking one race at a time and expressed his satisfaction with opening the season with a new national record and a personal best time in the 150-metre race. He added that his next focus would be on the 60-metre event.
“I’m not putting too much pressure on myself as I have been in similar situations before. I’m taking one race at a time and believe that I will continue to improve as the season progresses and new races come along,” he shared.
Humbled
Swazi Bolt went on to share that he was humbled by the pupils from Fonteyn High School who recently recognised him as their role model during the school’s athletics competition held at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground on Friday.
“It’s deeply humbling to recognise that my actions and accomplishments have the potential to inspire a younger generation of Eswatini athletes. Being a role model isn’t just about what you achieve on the field, but the values and attitudes you embody as an individual. I hope my journey can serve as an example of what’s possible when you’re dedicated, disciplined and committed to your dreams. To all the young athletes out there, chase your passions, embrace the obstacles that come your way and always strive for excellence in all that you do,” he added.