Zareena dives into the intense world of Olympic 400m sprints and hurdles. Personal bests, camaraderie and class.
Paris, France (10 August 2024) – The 400m sprints and the associated hurdle events are intense. It involves sprinting flat out for a lap around the track, which may not seem long, but having had to run for a bus or two during this trip, I know that after 35m or so, I need to catch my breath.
Wayde van Niekerk’s Phenomenal Race
In 2016, Wayde van Niekerk ran a phenomenal race, setting the World and Olympic Record at 43.03 seconds for the 400m. For me, it wasn’t just that race but the one in the preceding World Championships where he needed medical attention afterwards. It showed both how much is required during the race and how much athletes are willing to endure.
Women’s 400m Hurdles: Close Calls and Comradery
In the women’s 400m hurdles, both South Africans ran personal bests in the semifinals. Zeney Geldenhuys and Rogail Josephs placed ninth and tenth in the world, respectively. They came agonisingly close, but both qualified for upcoming competitions. They say it’s the hope that kills you, but it seems like the hope will fuel them. Myrtle Bothma’s 38-year-old record may well be in jeopardy. The camaraderie and joy these ladies share for each other, and their achievements are a joy to see.
Men’s 400m: Facing Challenges with Grace
On the men’s side, Zakithi Nene and Lythe Pillay ranked 18th and 20th after the 400m semifinals, respectively. They ran their races with fury and intent, but things didn’t work out as they had hoped. Speaking to Lythe post-race, he showed much passion and grace. Despite the expectation of more in the games and being given the option to walk away from the press, Lythe didn’t take it. He faced the situation with no excuses and little time to digest what happened or what’s next.
Special shout out to Muzala Samukonga of Zambia, who won the bronze medal in the event.
Miranda Coetzee’s Journey
In the women’s 400m, Miranda Coetzee made it through to the semifinals via the repechage. In doing so, she gained a sense of self-belief. Beaming after the semifinal, she couldn’t wait to try the chocolate muffins that everyone in the village is talking about.
Reflections on Journalism and Personal Growth
On a personal note, I realised that I have great respect for journalists doing play-by-plays who need direct quotes for their articles, so I let them largely ask the questions. But if they are not there, that’s okay too; I can hold my own. I have a sense of what is normally asked, but despite these few long weeks, I still have my own unanswered questions.
My confidence and understanding have allowed me to credibly share results with members of both the press and Team South Africa. One particular unfortunate incident involved breaking bad news to an athlete post-interview. I informed the relevant authorities privately, thinking they too would share the information discreetly. But the news was shared in the mixed zone. Although we couldn’t hear what was said, we saw the repercussions.
This was not ideal, and I have asked both what caused the misunderstanding and how it will be avoided in the future. The former was briefly addressed, but the latter remains unanswered. However, things have tightened. Interviews are more controlled, and pictures are apparently no longer allowed. But the great news is that the South African press, who have done this before and continue to fight on, are just class. While I am in awe of the athletes, I am equally inspired by them. They are everywhere, cover so much ground, and still have time for a chuckle and a smile.
Looking Ahead
South Africa’s 400m individual campaigns are over, but we still have the 4x400m men’s relay to come. Come what may, you will get the stories, the emotions, and the moments from them, and maybe just a little from me.
Zareena Gaibee will be on the ground in Paris for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics events, sharing her take on the prestigious sporting event, giving exclusive insights into life at the games, and hopefully meeting many of the South Africans in Paris who are competing and supporting. She will be reporting her findings for Good Things Guy, giving readers a glimpse of what flying the flag in Paris is all about.
You can follow her series via Good Things Guy here.
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