MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Thembinkosi Sojola is the South African record holder for the Backyard Ultra Marathon.
He has held this position uncontested since November 2021.
Sojola is from Mossel Bay and is a proud member of the Bayethe Multisport Academy.
Following his conquest on 26 February at the Tarako Backyard Ultra in Johannesburg, the first of the year, Sojola is gearing up for a year of new achievements, even though he did not break his own record at the last event.
William Bennett and Thamsanqa Douse of Bayethe say they currently work with 24 athletes in various sport codes including cycling, triathlon, road running and extreme trail running.
Bennett says they have come a long way since Bayethe's establishment in 2018.
"Things are shaping up nicely and we remain sensitive to the interest in our communities," adds Douse.
Their focus is to uncover talent in previously disadvantaged communities, but they make it clear that membership of the academy is by no means restricted or exclusive to specific groups.
"It is important to push our athletes to reach their full potential. If there is not 100% commitment and discipline, it doesn't work," Douse adds.
He lauds Sojola for his contribution to the membership increase experienced at the club.
"Themibi has a very strong mind. He is extremely stubborn and very patient. It sets an example for others."
In two weeks' time, Sojola will run a 100 mile ultra marathon in Addo. Although the distance to him by now is more than achievable, the challenge will be on another level: it will be just him, his backpack and the distance. He will be running unassisted for the first time.
"I am going to compete and I expect to do well," he says confidently.
Sojola is set to compete in four more Backyard Ultras this year, should funds allow. Athletes pay their own way, supported by the academy.
"The academy believes in supporting people's dreams all the way. We are mindful of our image and of being transparent in all our dealings. We don't want athletes simply to join for the benefits unless they are fully committed," says Douse.
With Sojola being in the top of his league right now, the next step will be to compete in Tennessee, USA.
He is always keen on a challenge. To date, he has not been contested locally.
It takes him about a week to recover after the Backyard Ultra, Sojola says. The hardest, he says, is the last lap. But ultimately, his last word on the matter is: "It's my dream and I have to fight for it."
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