I have not retired
After signing off in Rio, veteran jumper Khotso Mokoena reveals his future plans to Daniel Mothowagae in this wide-ranging interview.
CONFUSION reigns over your “retirement”...
I only retired from the Olympic Games, which means Brazil was my last. I am only going to fully retire after defending my Commonwealth Games triple jump title in Australia [Gold Coast] in 2018.
Wasn’t chasing a medal in triple jump in Rio a big gamble since you haven’t competed much in the event at the highest level?
There was no way I’d do well. It was a huge gamble. But I am going back to long jump next year.
What has kept you in the game for so long?
I have always wanted to win every medal that you can get in track and field ... and I have the Olympics [silver in 2008], world champs [silver in 2009], African [six times between 2010 and 2016], Commonwealth Games 92014] and the Diamond League trophy [2014].
What are challenges facing SA’s full-time athletes?
The only thing standing between athletes and achieving their goals is the financial bit. Track and field doesn’t pay much in SA. You have to be invited to go compete overseas in order for you to make money.
Do you think the current crop of long jumpers can smash your seven-year-old 8.50m record?
I believe [Rio silver medallist] Luvo Manyonga can break it. He’s got a bright future.
Who do you think can take over from you in triple jump?
There are athletes but we don’t just have specialist coaches in South Africa who can take them to another level.
What are your interests off the track?
Business – my journey in this field started when I was doing my first year in sports management in Potchefstroom in 2005.
I started motivational speaking and later got into property and restaurant businesses. But I closed them [property and restaurant] down to focus a bit more on athletics where I won major medals between 2008 and 2014. Now I am going into small business development. I also have the Khotso Mokoena Foundation. Are you married? I am not married but I have a son, Sechaba Ethan Mokoena, who turns three on October 6. FACT FILE Full names: Godfrey Khotso Mokoena Born: March 6 1985 in Heidelberg, Ekurhuleni Personal bests: long jump (8.50m in 2009); triple jump (17.35m in 2014)