Mudau's dream of receiving a World Major Medal becomes a reality

Ululations, applause, and dancing were the order of the day when renowned local runner Tshinyadzo Mudau, from Tshidzini village outside Thohoyandou, received a World Major Medal for completing six major world marathons in Berlin, Germany (2015), London, UK (2018), Chicago, USA (2018), New York City, USA (2019), Boston, USA (2019), and Tokyo, Japan (2023).

Mudau (50), who is also a member of the Faranani Athletics Club, celebrated the remarkable achievement as the first Vhavenda athlete to receive this medal with his friends, family, and representatives from the National Public Prosecution Authority’s head office in Pretoria during a function that was held in his honour at the Discipline in Making Christian Church on Saturday, 16 December.

“I felt so great and honoured to be the first person from Venda to receive this medal. It is most runners’ dream to achieve this status, and I thank God for this. My older brother Albert, my sister Peggy, and my wife Takalani have played a serious role in encouraging me to attain this accomplishment,” said a proud Mudau.

Mudau added that, as an athlete, he sets goals for himself in life, and when these goals become a reality, the excitement level cannot be measured. “My wish is that this will encourage other athletes from Limpopo, showing them that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can always get what you want in life. When you stay determined, disciplined, and remain focused, you can reach the sky,” he said.

He was among more than 45,000 athletes from around the world who participated in the 42.2km Tokyo Marathon. He finished in 3 hours and 17 minutes, which is no mean feat for a man who hails from a rural village, where sporting facilities are almost non-existent. He said that, while he was running, he had one thing in mind: to finish the race and have his name engraved on the wall alongside the other world-acclaimed athletes. This is the dream he cherished for years, and it finally came true for him.

He has also run the Jerusalem Marathon in Israel, the Dublin Marathon in Ireland, the Paris Marathon in France, and the Rotterdam Marathon in the Netherlands.

Date:22 December 2023

By: Silas Nduvheni

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