World indoor 800m champion Prudence Sekgodiso is gearing up for the global stage in Tokyo, but the 23-year-old South African is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

Sekgodiso, who burst into the season with a sparkling indoor crown in China and a series of outdoor podium finishes, has recently hit turbulence. After slipping to ninth in the world rankings and finishing sixth in her last two races in Switzerland, she admits the road to Tokyo hasn’t been smooth.

“The weather was not really good, and also I had some medical issues, but now I’m fine,” she explained. A blood-related condition and the challenges of racing in heavy European rains drained her energy, but after treatment and rest, she insists she’s ready to go again.

The task ahead won’t be easy. All eight runners above her in the rankings have clocked faster times than her personal best of 1:57.16 — a time she ran twice this year. To snatch a medal, she may have to dig deep and break the 1:56.00 barrier she set as a season goal.

But Sekgodiso is refusing to pile on the pressure.
“I just don’t want to give anyone hope — or the country any hope — but I’m gonna give it my all. The plan is just to make it to the final,” she said with calm determination.

She’ll take to the track on the sixth day of competition, Thursday, September 18, hoping to still be in contention for the women’s 800m final on September 21, the last day of the championships.

South Africa’s team arrives in Tokyo carrying the weight of expectation. Since their six-medal haul in London 2017, they’ve endured three barren world championships — Doha 2019, Oregon 2022, and Budapest 2023 — without a single podium finish. Yet, with Akani Simbine, Zakithi Nene, Elroy Gelant, Jo-Ane du Plessis, and both relay squads in action, the drought could end in Japan.

For now, Sekgodiso’s focus is sharp but simple: trust the process, fight for the final, and see how far her legs and heart can carry her.