Sabelo Dhlamini reflects on record-breaking run and lessons from Slovenia

JOHANNESBURG – South African hurdler Sabelo Dhlamini says his record-breaking performance in Slovenia has reinforced his belief that he belongs among the world’s elite, even as he continues to battle setbacks on and off the track.

The performance not only set a new South African national best but also placed him seventh on the all-time world list for the event.

“I feel good. I feel good. My coach and I have really been working on getting that time. We knew it was in our range, but actually making it happen was kind of surreal. So it was actually a great performance,” said Dhlamini.

Reflecting on his race, he expressed satisfaction with his record-breaking run but noted there is still room to improve execution and endurance.

“So, I literally might be missing the World Championships in a few weeks’ time, just because my time was literally slower by 0.07 seconds. I'd say what I'm trying to improve on is my execution and maybe being a little bit more durable, because I'm a very fast athlete. But sometimes having more speed takes away from future ability. So that's one thing that we’ll be trying to work on this coming off-season.”

Earlier this year, representing Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), the 30-year-old clinched gold in 48.57 seconds, just shy of the 48.50 qualifying standard for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Dhlamini also spoke candidly about the challenges of competing in Europe, pointing to financial struggles, lack of sponsorship, and the toll these take on mental health.

“Mental health is very important. I’d say the reason I kind of struggled when I got to Europe was because I wasn’t really confident in myself, and I don’t really have sponsors. Getting to Europe was somewhat troublesome, which is why it took me so long to get there. I was supposed to be on the European circuit three years ago, but it only happened this year. Having the right people around me, especially my coach, helped me get here. The mental battle has been really hard.”

Still, he says his record-breaking run in Slovenia gave him the belief that he belongs at the top level.

“This year, I just tried to be more appreciative of things and know that I’ve done the work and I’m good enough. If God is with me, no one can be against me. That kind of mindset has got me this far, and I plan on carrying it forward. I’m learning not to be so nervous or anxious, but instead to trust that if I apply myself and put the work in, anything is possible at any stage. So that's what I'm trying to foster into everything I do.”