Passport blunder leaves Lusapho ruing lost chance
Marathon star a no-show in London
Top SA marathon runner Lusapho April is recovering from a self-inflicted black eye after he missed the trip to the IAAF World Championships under way in London.
The Olympian was conspicuous by his absence in the marathon final at the global showpiece on Sunday despite being entered for the race.
April, 35, told Sowetan from his home in Eastern Cape that he had issues with his passport and as a result, could not secure a visa to London.
“My passport is full and I needed a least three pages [to allow for stamps and visa]. I am to be blamed. I should have known better,” he said ruefully.
Though April said he started the visa application process “around mid-July”, he still dropped the ball.
“I had to apply for another passport and I only received it when the team had already left [for London last Friday]. There was no other plan. It’s just too hard for me to stomach this, especially after I had prepared so hard for the world champs.”
April’s absence compounded South Africa’s troubles on the course as Desmond Mokgobu (2:16:14) was the team’s only finisher, placing 21st of 71 runners who finished the race on Sunday.
Sibusiso Nzima bailed at the 25km mark.
Kenya’s Geoffrey Kirui took gold in 2:08:27, while Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola took silver in 2:09:49 and Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu bronze in 2:09:51.