Multi-talented Glenrose Xaba to skip World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

South African distance running star Glenrose Xaba once again reigned supreme over 10km at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km race on Saturday morning — but revealed afterwards that she has given up on competing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in two weeks.

The Boxer Athletics Club standout crossed the finish line in 31:34 — a seasonal best, just 22 seconds shy of the national record she set in Durban last year during the Absa Run Your City series — as she continued her rich vein of form over the distance.

Defending champion Neheng Khathala of Lesotho finished second in 31:44, while Kenya’s Fridah Ndinda came third in 33:05.

In the men’s race, Kamohelo Mofolo took the honours in 27:58, edging Kabelo Mulaudzi (28:01) and Thabang Mosiako (28:03) in a tight finish.

Saturday’s victory marked Xaba’s second win in seven days, after triumphing at the Absa Run Your City Tshwane race last Sunday. That followed her success in the Spar Challenge in Tshwane, where she cemented her place at the top of the Grand Prix standings.

However, the multi-talented road and track athlete shared at the post-race media conference that she will not be participating in the world championships, scheduled for September 13–21, as originally planned.

Xaba had qualified last year for the marathon at the championships by winning the Cape Town Marathon, but had hoped to add 5000m and 10000m track qualifiers — which she was unable to secure.

“I had a discussion with my coach (Caster Semenya) and my manager (Leroy Merlin), and they said I won’t do the World Champs. It’s better to do one marathon at the end of the year. Leroy is still looking for a good marathon for me,” she explained.

“I planned to qualify on track, so I can’t just jump into the marathon with such a short period of preparation. You need enough endurance in your body. You can’t go for a marathon with 30km; you need a full programme — at least two 40kms in your legs, and more 35s or 38s.”

Xaba currently holds national records in the 10km, half-marathon, and marathon.

With her absence, the responsibility of representing South African distance running in Tokyo falls to the likes of Adriaan Wildschutt (track) and Elroy Gelant (marathon).

While the possible absence of teenage sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza will be felt, the return to form of Akani Simbine — who won silver at last week’s Diamond League Final in Zurich — is cause for optimism among South African athletics fans.

SA sprinting stocks remain strong, with medal hopefuls including men’s 400m star Zakithi Nene, and a formidable record in both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

Olympic javelin silver medallist Jo-An du Plessis has reached the podium consistently this season, while world indoor 800m champion Prudence Sekgodiso is becoming a growing threat on the international stage — to mention just a few of the other medal hopefuls for Team South Africa in Tokyo.