Professional runner Zakithi Nene recently returned from the Olympics in Paris where he competed in the 400-metre sprint. We chatted to him about life as an athlete…
Zakithi’s love for running was sparked when his mom bought him his first pair of spikes (shoes designed for track running) at the age of eight. He attended Monument Primary School in Ladysmith, where he played various sports, but it was on the athletics track that he truly shined. At age 15 he bettered the KwaZulu-Natal 400-metre record, a milestone that marked the beginning of his serious commitment to the sport.
A PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT
Zakithi moved to Durban as a teenager and attended Glenwood High School where he refined his athletic skills and decided to pursue running professionally. Now based in Umhlanga, he trains rigorously, with a schedule that includes six days of training each week, often with multiple sessions per day. “It’s a nine-to-five job,” he explains. “But every day I get to wake up and do what I love. It’s a full-on blessing.” When the domestic season is over, he travels to Europe where he trains and competes for three months at a time each year.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Recently, Zakithi competed in his second Olympics. Reflecting on the experience, he mentions that it felt different compared to his first Olympic experience in Tokyo. “Tokyo had an amazing Olympic village vibe,” he says. In contrast, the atmosphere in Paris was less intense, yet still exhilarating thanks to the presence of spectators. “Having a crowd there and seeing South African flags in the stands was amazing,” he says. Despite the excitement, he admits that he didn’t experience the usual nerves or thrills. “I was just focused on making it to the finals and fighting for a podium finish.”
NAVIGATING THE FIELD
Zakithi’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He points out the difficulties faced by track and field athletes in South Africa, where the sport is often seen as amateur. Many athletes juggle their careers with jobs or studies, unlike their international counterparts who are often full-time professionals. “Only about 30% of the track and field athletes at the Olympics are actually professionals with sponsorship deals and funding,” he says.
Despite these obstacles, Zakithi remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. His goals for the future are clear: to become a regular contender in international finals and to secure podium finishes. “I’m settled into the circuit now,” he says. “But it’s time to start challenging for podiums.”
LOVE AND SUPPORT
A key part of Zakithi’s success is his strong support system, which includes his family who have been with him every step of the way. “They’re the ones that pick me up when I’m at my lowest,” he shares. His team of professionals, including his coach, physiotherapist and strength and conditioning specialist, also plays a crucial role in keeping him in peak physical and mental condition.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Looking back on his journey, Zakithi reflects on how far he has come. As a self-described “late bloomer,” he didn’t make a national team until he was a senior athlete, a fact that has fuelled his drive to succeed. “I was never the fastest growing up, but I think that pushed me to work harder,” he admits. Now, he is focused on closing the gap and making his mark on the global stage.
Although he has travelled the world, his heart remains on our shores. “I love travelling, but when I’m abroad, I miss the chaos of home,” he laughs. “It’s the little things. We have so much life in this country.”
Details: IG: @zakithi_nene
