Gritty sprinter makes incredible comeback

NOT many placed bets on Tsholofelo Thipe making Team South Africa for next month’s Olympics, but the sprinter emerged virtually from nowhere to secure a berth at the Rio Games.

From a drugs test failure in 2012 to recurring injuries, the 29-year-old has endured a rough four-year cycle leading to the quadrennial event in Brazil.

Thipe has not run in many races despite having breached the 52.20 second Olympics qualifying standard. Her most recent setback was having to withdraw from the African Senior Championships in Durban last month due to food poisoning.

She cited strong faith and her ability to rebound from adversity as key to her latest comeback.

“I had mixed feelings when the final team was announced. I’m grateful but at the same time overwhelmed. I can only thank God for the opportunity,” said Thipe.

The Rustenburg-based, North West, runner is one of four women sprinters in the team, depending on whether Caster Semenya will run the 400m race.

“I want to make a mark and become someone the youth can look up. I have unfinished business in the Olympics and God has answered my prayers to be in Rio,” said Thipe, referring to her debut at the 2008 Games, when she was eliminated in the first round.

Thipe abandoned hopes of going to last year’s world championships due to a recurring hamstring injury.

“I did not mind missing the world champs because the Olympics is the biggest stage of them all. Rio will open opportunities for us if we do well there.”

Thipe has been inspired by how far Murielle Ahoure of Ivory Coast and Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare have progressed in the world women’s sprints. The two are currently Africa’s fastest women sprinters.

“I have raced them in Europe before. I hope the Rio Olympics will help me to rise. My ultimate dream is to be in the final.”

To be in the final, Thipe must break her seven-yearold 51.15 personal best.

“I missed the world champs but the Olympics is the biggest stage