There was no dramatic duel, no shoulder-to-shoulder fight to the line, just total command. But for Lee Sue Nyathi, victory at the ASA U16, U18, U20 and U23 track and field championships at Germiston Stadium came with mixed emotions.
Nyathi, from Langaville in Tsakane, powered to the U23 women’s 5000m race walk title in 26:04.14, adding another national crown to a career she has been building since childhood.
Yet, beneath the gold medal glow was a quiet frustration, not with the result, but with the clock.
“The race was pretty fine. I tried a new strategy, but it didn’t really work. I didn’t get a good time, and I’m quite sad about that. But I’m glad I got the title,” said the former CGA athlete.
Lee Sue Nyathi walks towards the finish line to complete the U20 women’s 5000m walk. Photo: Lebohang Pita
It was a dominant display. Nyathi, representing Athletics Gauteng North (AGN), quickly broke away from the field, turning the race into a solo time trial. That, she admits, is where the real battle began.
“Chasing time is really hard. It’s never easy. I tried to keep it at two minutes a lap, but I was coming in at about 2:03. It doesn’t sound like much, but it costs you a lot.”
Despite the lack of competition, the significance of the victory was not lost on her. In her final year in the junior ranks, the title carries deep personal meaning.
“It means the world. I’ve been doing this since I was young, and to keep winning like this is really God’s work and His timing. I believe He will use me to bring race walking into the light,” Nyathi said.
Lee Sue Nyathi. Photo: Lebohang Pita
That bigger purpose now stretches beyond national borders. With the World Race Walking Championships in Brazil looming, Nyathi stands on the edge of a defining opportunity, even if her selection is not yet confirmed.
“I’m hoping I’m in the team. If I go, I know the competition will be tough. They’re going to push me hard. But I’m coming back with a personal best.”
The prospect of lining up against global stars like multiple world champion María Pérez excites her as much as it challenges her.
“It’s inspiring. You learn so much just watching and racing against the best. That’s what I want — to grow, to improve, and to bring that experience back home.”
And home is never far from her mind. Nyathi carries the ambition of not just winning races, but transforming perceptions of race walking in South Africa.
“We need better times, more competition and more visibility. I know I have to lead that. I want to be one of the people who changes how the sport is seen.”
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