Having set a world youth record in the 400m-hurdles earlier this season means that Sokwakhana Zazini is the one everyone will want to beat at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Nairobi (12-16 July).
Not a lot of athletes relish running with a "target" on their back, but it does not phase Zazini in the least. For the TuksSport High School learner, it is a case of bringing it on if you can.
He makes no secret that he plans on running a speedy time at the Championships, but because of a lower back injury scare, he decided to withhold from any bold predictions.
"Just say I hope to cause quite a surprise with the time I run in Nairobi. My legs will do the talking."
Zazini has just reason to be confident. His world record time of 48.84s is nearly three seconds quicker than the second-placed athlete on the IAAF's under-18 rankings. At the South African Junior and Youth Championships, he was victorious in the 400m-hurdles as well as the 400m. His best time in the longer sprint is 46.20s which is impressive as very of the local senior athletes have managed to run a faster time. Zazini also has only lost once in local races this season. It was over 400 meters at the South African Senior Championships.
He will only compete in the 400m-hurdles at the Youth Championships.
Hennie Kriel who coaches the Tuks-athlete said what makes Zazini such an exciting prospect is his hunger to succeed.
“I have no doubt that he can be the best since he is a quick learner. We are still working on his hurdling technique to get it to be more efficient, but he is improving all the time,” said Kriel.
If Zazini can have it his way, he would prefer to keep on competing in both the hurdles and the 400m but if forced to chose he will just be hurdling.
"I love the 400m-hurdles challenge as it is never just about running as fast as you can. It is the thinking man's race. One moment's lapse of concentration and it could be all over.”
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