Prudence Sekgodiso Leads the Way as South Africa’s Female Athletes Shine
Prudence Sekgodiso shone for South Africa again at the recent Diamond League, when the middle-distance runner showed just why she is one of the best in her field with another standout performance in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, 25 May 2025.
The world indoor champion finished second in the women’s 800m race setting a season’s best of 1:57.52, crossing the line just 0.10 behind Ethiopian athlete Tsige Duguma, who secured victory in 1:57.52. The top four women finished within 0.39 in a tight battle, and the top nine finishers all ran under 1:59.00.
Meanwhile, South African champion Zeney Geldenhuys finished in fifth place in the women’s 400m hurdles race, finishing in a time of 55.37, ahead of compatriot Rogail Joseph who ended in ninth, place in a time of 57.91. Femke Bol continued with her dominance, as the Dutch runner secured the win in a meeting record of 52.46.
Moving on to the field, Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ané du Plessis (née Van Dyk) placed fifth in the women’s javelin competition with a 59.25m throw. Greece’s Elina Tzengko’s winning throw was 64.60m.
“We thank our athletes for a spirited contest amongst formidable fields in each of the events they participated in.”
President of Athletics South Africa, James Moloi
“We are happy that our athletes are getting more invites from the Diamond League and other world competitions as we countdown to the global championships in Tokyo, Japan in September.
“And for those who are still chasing a qualifier, we urge them to stay focused, not to panic, and go for it,” said Moloi. “We also wish well all those who will be in Kenya for the Kip Keino Classic next weekend, and to fight there for dominance and enjoy what is traditionally a super meeting.”
On the home front, it was a very successful weekend for Jessica Groenewald who broke the national women’s record at the ASA 35km Race Walking Championships held in Cape Town.
Groenewald, who represents Athletics Central North West (ACNW) led from the start as she went through the race unchallenged to take the tile in a time of 3:10:40.
Her sensational performance saw her shave a whopping 10 minutes off the previous record (3:20:25) set by Natalie le Roux in 2018. Nthatisi Mokhele won a closely-contested battle for the silver medal in the Mother City, taking second place for Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA).
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Mokhele completed the race in 3:56:10, just one minute clear of Marizel Meintjies (ACNW) who was third in 3:57:10.
“We are thrilled by the performance of our athletes who are raising the stakes in their respective events,” said Moloi. “Judging from the time shaved from the previous records one can tell they meant serious business.”
Main Photo Caption: Prudence Sekgodiso shone again for South Africa when the middle-distance runner demonstrated just why she is one of the best in her field at the Diamond League in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, 25 May 2025. Photo: Team South Africa
File Photo 2 Caption: In the storm to the finish line, Sekgodiso set a season’s best to take second in the 800m race behind Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma.
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