Prudence Sekgodiso Reflects on Surprise Gold as She Eyes Outdoor Season

Prudence Sekgodiso returned home fresh from her triumph at the World Indoor Championships, admitting that while she expected to win a medal in China, taking gold came as a surprise.

Sekgodiso claimed the women’s 800m title in 1:58.40, setting a new national record and the fastest time on a 200m indoor track this year. She arrived back in South Africa alongside Akani Simbine, who secured bronze in the men’s 60m sprint.

“I knew I could get a medal, but winning gold was a shock,” she said at a press conference upon landing. Her victory has fueled her confidence for the upcoming outdoor season, where the World Championships in Tokyo in September will be the main focus.

“I believe I can do even better outdoors. The goal is to run 1:55 by the end of the year,” the 23-year-old added. A time in that range would put her among the top contenders for a podium finish in Japan.

Prudence Sekgodiso flew the South African flag high at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. She powered to a gold medal for Team SA in the 800 metre final, getting the better of Ethiopian Nigist Getachew with a winning time of 1:58.40. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/RTY1uXqDsY

— eNCA (@eNCA) March 25, 2025

Chasing National Records and Olympic Glory

Sekgodiso, whose outdoor best stands at 1:57.26, has long-term ambitions of breaking Caster Semenya’s national record of 1:54.25. Having her coach, Samuel Sepeng, by her side in China played a crucial role in her performance.

“Whenever my coach is with me, I feel more confident. I follow every instruction he gives me,” she said. Sekgodiso also competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she gained valuable experience on the biggest stage.

Simbine, meanwhile, explained that his participation in the 60m event was primarily aimed at improving his start for the 100m, his specialty event.

“We didn’t go in with expectations. The focus was on figuring things out, and that approach helped take the pressure off,” he said. Despite his years of experience, the 31-year-old admitted he is still fine-tuning his technique.

Blazing

’s Prudence Sekgodiso clocks a world-leading 1:58.40 to take the women’s 800m title #WorldIndoorChamps pic.twitter.com/ZRy9P5VTKG

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) March 23, 2025

“The 60m and 100m are completely different. In the 100m, it’s about phases—you build up speed before reaching top gear. But the 60m forces us to rethink how we accelerate,” he explained.

As one of the fastest sprinters at top-end speed, Simbine is wary of altering his style too much.

“We’re not trying to change my race pattern completely. Adjusting too much for 60m could impact my strongest phase—the last part of my race. The goal is to fine-tune the first 60m without compromising the finish.”

Both Sekgodiso and Simbine are now turning their attention to the outdoor season, where they aim to build on their indoor success and challenge for medals on the global stage.

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Sourced: Business Day