PTA Medical Students Achieve Double Victory in 800m Race

Last week, two aspiring doctors from the University of Pretoria clinched victories in the men’s and women’s 800m races at the South African Senior Athletics Championships.

Edmund du Plessis showcased his prowess by winning the men’s 800m with a remarkable time of 1:44.92 in Pietermaritzburg, proving he’s ready to compete against the world’s elite.

This Tuks medical student’s time ranks among the fastest by a South African in the past decade. Only Tshepo Tshite, who ran 1:44.59 in 2015, has been quicker. Du Plessis narrowly missed the qualifying mark for the Paris Olympic Games by just 0.22 seconds. Nevertheless, he celebrated his fourth personal best of the season with great enthusiasm.

“I’m genuinely thrilled. It’s hard to put my feelings into words,” said the Tuks athlete after defending his 800m title.

Du Plessis displayed tactical brilliance in the final. He stayed back for the first 400 meters, letting others set the pace, before surging ahead with 300 meters remaining to secure a lead. He credited Kabelo Mohlosi for relentlessly pushing him to the finish line.

If there were an award for the most improved athlete of 2024, the aspiring doctor would be a strong contender. At the end of last year, his best time was 1:47.10. His winning time at the SA championships represents nearly a three-second improvement.

“All the credit goes to my coach, ‘Tannie Ilze’ Wicksell, who has been enhancing my speed endurance since October last year. I also owe a big thanks to my training partner, James Seeliger, as we pushed each other to our limits during training,” Du Plessis remarked.