A dream come true for Two Oceans winner Gongqa
THIS year’s winner of the Two Oceans Marathon returned from his greatest triumph to his humble home in Khayelitsha and spent the next 24 hours celebrating.
Lungile Gongqa had beaten all the odds, to cross the finish line in first place in a time of 03:09:43.
Gongqa was born and bred in Engcobo in the Eastern Cape, but moved to Cape Town in 2009 to pursue his passion for athletics. While in the Eastern Cape, he represented the Transkei region.
He then came to Cape Town to participate in various races until he joined the Nedbank running club, where he represented Western Province.
“Growing up I always had an interest in athletics as I started running in primary school – it was a sport I enjoyed taking part in,” said Gongqa.
In 2004, he won his first race, for which he received a T-shirt and R50 prize money.
He says he developed his love of marathons in 2004, and he would often watch them on television.
Two years ago, he participated in a marathon, and to his surprise he came second.
Gongqa said: “I watched the (Two Oceans) marathon take place last year while I was seated on the grand stand, and I realised that I could win it because I have speed.”
Last year, while hoping to qualify for the Rio Olympics, he made a vow that he would race in this year’s Two Oceans Marathon.
“As a South African, I realised that we could also win the race; what used to be a dream has become a reality for me and my family,” said Gongqa.
“Winning the marathon will change our lives as we are renting this small flat, but we will soon be able to buy the house of our dreams,” said his wife Ivy.
She said she could see from the time he started training for the race that he was determined and enthusiastic.
Addressing the youth of South Africa, the winner said: “I encourage young people to stay out of trouble by keeping active, fit and being involved with sports.”