South African middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso is proving to be one of the most exciting names in global athletics this season.
At the Rabat Diamond League, the 22-year-old delivered another outstanding performance, finishing second in a fiercely competitive women’s 800m race.
The final was a thriller, with Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma snatching victory in 1:57.42, just a fraction ahead of Sekgodiso, who crossed the line in 1:57.52. American star Athing Mu Wiley followed closely, claiming third in 1:57.55.
Sekgodiso’s performance is the latest in a series of world-class showings that signal her readiness to consistently challenge the best on the biggest stages. But behind her success lies a subtle yet significant change in how she’s approaching her season.
The Strategy Behind the Success
In a post-race interview, Sekgodiso opened up about a new strategy she and her coach introduced this year.
“We reduced the amount of races until the World Championships,” Sekgodiso revealed.
“However, I still do a lot of races in my home country. For me, it is really important to inspire the local kids and motivate them.”
By scaling back her international race schedule and focusing more on local events, Sekgodiso has managed to strike a valuable balance between preserving her physical and mental freshness for major competitions and maintaining her presence in the South African athletics community.
The tactic appears to be paying off. Not only has she maintained blistering form on the track, but she’s also kept her competitive edge sharp by staying active on home soil, ensuring she arrives at global events both confident and race-ready.
A Champion in the Making
Since bursting onto the scene in 2022 with a breakthrough 1:58.41 in France, Sekgodiso has been on an upward trajectory. She smashed through the 1:58 barrier in 2024, posting a superb 1:57.26 at the Marrakech Diamond League, a performance that confirmed her as a serious contender on the world stage.
Earlier this year, Sekgodiso made history at the 2025 World Indoor Championships in China, claiming her first global title in the 800m with a winning time of 1:58.40.
With a smart, focused approach guiding her season, Sekgodiso is poised for even greater success.
As she prepares for her next appearance at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm, fans and fellow athletes alike will be eager to see if this carefully crafted strategy can continue delivering podium finishes, and perhaps, more records.
