By Natasha Maja and Wesley Botton
As accomplished as she is, 17-year-old Tumi Ramokgopa isn’t just naturally talented and physically fit.
Like all world-class athletes, the rising hurdles star has made it to the top in her age group not only because she puts in the work, which she does. She’s also got the mental strength required to reach the loftiest of heights.
Even at her young age, competing in the brutally tough 400m hurdles event, she understands the importance of having the right mindset.
“In this sport I feel like you need to be mentally strong and mentally fit, and if you are not mentally strong, then physically your body means nothing,” Ramokgopa said this week, after opening her 2025 season with victories in the U19 girls 200m (24.44 seconds) and 100m hurdles (13.72) events at the Wildeklawer TUT Top 14 schools meeting in Pretoria.
World-class talent
A matric learner at Prestige College, Ramokgopa has already showcased her ability as one of the most talented young athletes in South Africa.
Last year she clocked 57.04 seconds to break the national youth record in the 400m hurdles event, and she went on to reach the semifinals of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, competing against athletes two years older than herself.
In her first season in the junior age group, Ramokgopa is eager to make further progress this year, both in the 400m hurdles and 100m hurdles events, having also shown real potential over the shorter distance.
Well-rounded approach
She understands, however, that continuing to work on her mental strength and taking a well-rounded approach will be crucial if she hopes to achieve her full potential against the global elite.
“My goal for the year in the 100m hurdles is to run 13.20, or just over it, by the end of the year,” Ramokgopa said.
“I also want to progress in the 400m hurdles, but at this point I am building myself as an athlete and individual, mentally, physically and also spiritually, just to be one of the best in the world.”
* Featured image of Tumi Ramokgopa by Cecilia van Bers
