The current African record holder in long jump Khotso Mokena talked us through is schedule for this year. And it’s quite a tough one – with the Word Indoor Championships, followed by the Olympics in March and July respectively. Khotso brought home silver at the last Olympics in Sydney so there’s no doubt he’s aiming for the Gold this time. There’s also pressure to win gold for long jump again at the Indoor Championships again, but his triple jump and long jump specialist is taking it all in his stride.
You've got a busy schedule coming up, run us through where you heading?
I am headed to the indoor season; I will be taking part in the European indoor season in Russia, Sweden, UK, Turkey and Germany. Preparations have been going well and I am just waiting see everything inside the arena. I am grateful to God that all is well; it’s a new season and we put the past behind us.
These prep events, do they count for anything?
Yes these preps are quite important for athletes as it takes us up in the world rankings and provide athletes with points. They are also good preparation for World Indoor Championship in Turkey in March.
And the Worlds in turkey, have you been there before and what your goals for this event?
I have never been to Istanbul before but I am looking forward to it as it’s one of the biggest games in athletics this year alongside the Olympic Games. It’s gonna be very exciting.
Also looking towards Olympics in July, have you qualified for that yet?
Our time frame for qualifications for the Olympic Games starts now until June. We have ample time and I am sure with the wings from Red Bull it’s all possible.
Are you going to tackle this one like you did Beijing or do you have something new up your sleeve?
This time around I am going all out for the London and nothing is holding us back so far, and we are hungry to do well. It’s a big championship and all other long jumpers are also looking to do well so it’s not gonna be easy but very exciting to play that field.
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