DUT student becomes fourth-fastest racewalker in SA history

Philasande Mlambo is now the fouth fastest man in South African racewalking history.

Mlambo achieved this remarkable feat walking 10 000 metres with a time of 42:00.75 at the recent KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Athletics League 4, held at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Mlambo, the KZN under-23, 10km record holder, has made history. Mlambo joins the ranks of South Africa’s fastest racewalkers, Wayne Snyman, Marc Mundell and Nicolene Cronje.

He is currently pursuing a Diploma in Information and Communications Technology: Business Analysis at Durban University of Technology (DUT). He described this achievement as one of the greatest milestones of his career.

“To see my name in the national history books is a dream come true for me, because I know it was no easy feat. This is big for me, for the institution and the province. I am happy and I feel motivated to achieve more and hopefully become the fastest racewalking man in South Africa,’’ he said.

Mlambo was born and raised in the small town of Dundee in KwaZulu-Natal. He said winning alone is not always enough for him, wherever he competes he always aims to make history.

“Working with one coach throughout my journey at DUT helped me to overcome some challenges that I encountered over the years. Sihle Shange plays a vital role in shaping my athletic passion and his presence has enlightened me to view the world differently. My consistency in going to the gym has been rewarding for me. DUT promotes fitness and well-being of its community and I enjoy keeping fit and healthy,” said Mlambo.

His impressive competition resume includes two Thembisa Mile race back-to-back win in Johannesburg. The Athletics South Africa (ASA) racewalking Championships and Olympics teams. He also participated in the KwaZulu-Natal Seniors Champs race in Pietermaritzburg where he shattered the record with a remarkable finishing time of 45: 20: 27.

Mlambo hopes his achievement serves as an inspiration to the young and upcoming athletes that anything is possible if you are willing to put in the hard work. He also added that DUT prides itself with living values that resonate with him, which are honesty, integrity, transparency and respect. He said being honest with himself helps him to be motivated and perform well on the field.

“I just hope my success inspires other young athletes at DUT, who like me come from a background where we are not expected to succeed. I want to break that chain of thought, because I believe that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. With enough determination and focus you can achieve any goal you set for yourself, regardless of how challenging it may seem,” said Mlambo.