The 22 Comrades Marathon Champion from Mahikeng, North West Tete Morena Dijana yesterday broke the World Record by becoming the first South African athlete to run under 2:40:00 over the distance, crossing the line in 2:39:04 and trumping the national record of 2:40:13 set by Steven Mokoka at the same race last year.
Dijana was competing, and became the winner, at the 3rd edition of the 50km Nedbank Runifield Breaking Barriers Ultra Distance Race held in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on Sunday.
The 34-year-old Dijana from Signal Hill Village said he was thrilled his race plan had worked out.
“I am shocked. I had my own race plan in the first half. I got tired in the second half, but I kept pushing. I’m glad I made it. I’m really proud of myself,” Dijana said.
Dijana encouraged the youth of the North West to participate in sports activities, instead of wasting their lives on substance abuse.
“I would encourage the youth to nurture their talent from a young age. It really doesn’t matter what your background might be. It’s not about where you’re from but where you’re going.
“I would encourage kids to participate in sports activities as early as they can at school. That will help them identify their talent and their passion. It can be running, music, and acting.
“They must work hard and do their best. That will take them a long way. It is painful to see the youth wasting their lives on substance abuse like alcohol and drugs such as nyaope. While they could be investing their time on something that would make a difference in their lives,” he said.
Dijana was also awarded the Premier’s Special Award at the North West Sports Awards on Saturday by the North West Department of Sports.
