Edmund du Plessis proved by winning the 800 metres in a time of 1:44.92 during the South African Championships in Pietermaritzburg that he is ready to race against the world's best.
The Tuks medical student's time is one of the fastest in the last ten years by a South African athlete. Since 2015, only Tshepo Tshite (1:44.59) has been quicker. Du Plessis missed out by a mere 0.22s in qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games. Still, Du Plessis was elated as it was the fourth time this season that he had improved on his personal best time.
"I am genuinely happy. I don't really have the words to describe how I feel," the Tuks athlete said after successfully defending his 800-metre title.
Du Plessis was tactically brilliant in the final. He hung back over the first 400 metres, allowing others to do the racing. Then, with 300 metres to go, he accelerated immediately, opening a gap in his rivals. Afterwards, he praised Kabelo Mohlosi for never giving up on chasing him to the finish.
Du Plessis would undoubtedly be a contender if there was a prize for the most improved athlete in 2024. At the end of last year, his best time was 1:47.10. His winning time yesterday is a near three-second improvement.
"All credit should go to my coach "Tannie Ilze (Wicksell)". Since October last year, she has worked to improve my speed endurance. I also got to thank my training partner, James Seeliger, as we pushed each other to our limits during the training session."
Du Plessis was not the only Tuks medical student to win gold over 800 metres yesterday. Charné Swart won the women's race in 2:01.81 to claim her first South African title. It is the second fastest time of her career. So far this season, Swart has only been beaten once over two laps. She is only coached by Ilze Wicksell.
As to yesterday's race, Swart said the racing conditions were perfect.
"There was no wind, and it was nice and hot. It enabled me to execute what I came to do to perfection. During SA's, winning the gold medal was the only thing that mattered. It is special to have won my first national title. I am thrilled."
Swart ascribes her success to being more confident every time she races.
"I have matured over the last year as a runner. I can handle any race that comes my way, knowing what to do when. For that, I have to thank my coach 'Tannie Ilze'."
Swart's goal is to break through the two-minute barrier. Those who have seen her run this season will tell you it is about something other than whether she can do so. It is about when she will do so. Swart admits that she must be at her utmost best to be 1.5 seconds faster, but she is up to the challenge.
"I looked at how some of the legends of 800-metre running went about setting fast times. The secret is an even split over the two laps. When David Rudisha set the world record, his splits were nearly even. My perfect race would be to run 58 seconds and then 59 seconds."
Tuks's Jada van Staden was third in the women's 400m final, running 52.65s. Shirley Nekhubui won in 51.77s.