Amy Fraser26 March 2025 | 16:14

Prudence Sekgodiso makes South African history at World Indoors Championships: 'The world knows me now'

The 23-year-old sensation stormed to victory in the 800m event in Nanjing, China.

Prudence Sekgodiso makes South African history at World Indoors Championships: 'The world knows me now'

South Africa's Prudence Sekgodiso reacts after competing in the women's 800m semi-final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo: Martin BERNETTI / AFP)

Prudence Sekgodiso has made history as the first South African woman to win a medal at the World Indoor Championships.

The 23-year-old sensation stormed to victory in the 800m event, clocking a world-leading time of 1:58:40 in Nanjing, China.

Sekgodiso credits much of her success to her coach, but also to prioritising rest and recovery. 

Her approach during the race was equally strategic – focusing solely on the finish line and not "looking back" or "checking where everyone was."

That mindset clearly paid off, as she reflects, "It hasn't really sunk in that I'm actually the World Indoor Champion."

Though she says the feeling is "indescribable," Sekgodiso is quick to acknowledge the years of dedication, sacrifices, and hard work that have led her to this moment. 

"Here we are, I'm on top of the world and the world knows me now, and I'm just a girl who's chasing her dreams."
- Prudence Sekgodiso, South African athlete

Watch the moment below:

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.