Half-Marathon Champ looking to defend Kazan Crown

GWANGJU – It’s not often that athletes at the Summer Universiade get to compete in successive tournaments, which makes South African runner Gladwin Mzazi an even more special participant – he is currently taking part in his fifth Universiade!

The 26-year-old, a middle-distance specialist, has arrived in Korea determined and hungry as ever for success, as he looks to add to his previous impressive finishes over the past five tournaments.

“My first Universiade was in 2007 held in Bangkok, but I didn’t do well,” he explains. “In my second one in Belgrade 2009, I won gold in the 10,000m. My third Universiade in Shenzhen didn’t go too well either – I came 6th in the 10,000m and 5th in 21km.”

Mzazi won the 21km event in Kazan, finishing an exciting race in exactly the same time, but just ahead, of compatriot Stephen Mokoka, who had won the 10,000m event four days earlier.

Gladwin Mzazi got the gold in Kazan (2013)

In what will now officially be his last Universiade, the Sports Management student from the Tshwane University of Technology is not only looking to defend his 21km crown from two years ago, but also achieve a podium position in the 10,000m as well!

“Now I’m going to try both the 10,000m and 21km as it’s my final Universiade, as it’s my final year of study,” he says with determination. “The preparation went well and I hope I will do more than I have in my past Universiades.”

Mzazi will line up for the 10,000m event on Thursday, before continuing his quest for gold in the defence of his half-marathon title on Sunday.

Fabio De Dominicis (RSA), U-Media Reporter