By Thathe Msimango
South African long-distance runner Collen Malaudzi has been given a second chance on the world stage after being forced to withdraw five years ago due to an accident.
In 2018, Malaudzi looked destined for great things when he was named in the South African team that competed in the 2018 African Cross Country Championship in Algeria.
However, he never made it to the race after being involved in a serious car accident.
Now he’s bounced back. Malaudzi has been elected as a member of a strong team announced by Athletics South Africa (ASA) to represent South Africa at the World Cross Country Championship in Bathurst, Australia.
The games are scheduled to begin on 18 February.
The squad includes South African 5 km record holder Elroy Gelant, multiple national Cross Country champion Precious Mashele, and former South African 1,500m Champion Ryan Mphahlele.
“I’m happy to be part of the team,” said the 31-year-old, who runs in the colours of Hollywoodbets Athletics Club.
Malaudzi is one of the top runners who receive a monthly stipend from its running club.
“I have dreamt of representing the country in cross country for a very long time.”
He said after the car accident, he decided he would fight till the end to turn a dream into reality.
“I’m happy to see it finally happening,” he said.
Malaudzi, who is coached by renowned athletics coach Michael Seme in a group, said their team is good enough to challenge stronger nations like Uganda and Kenya.
“Without putting much pressure on the guys, I think we have a chance to have an athlete coming into the top 10 in the race. I know it hasn’t happened before, but I’m optimistic that our time has come,” he told Scrolla.Africa.
“We have a balanced squad so a team prize is achievable too. I’m going there to enjoy it without too many expectations. But the preparations have been good and we’re in good shape.”
Pictured above: Collen Malaudzi
Image source: Supplied
