Lehata glows in Germany victory

Luciah Phahla

Maseru

Lesotho sprinter Mosito Lehata says he is pleased with last Saturday’s season opening victory in the 100 metres at the Ellwangen Sparkssen-Meeting in Germany.

Lehata won the international race in a time of 10.13 seconds and finished ahead of Great Britain’s Josh Swaray and Roscoe Engel of South Africa.

The time was just 0.02 seconds outside his personal best and national record of 10.11 which he set last April and Lehata said the win is the right step in his preparations for August’s 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.

Lehata said the positive start to his 2016 programme gives him motivation to work even harder for the Olympics.

Speaking to thepost on Tuesday, the 27-year-old added he is grateful to be back competing after battling with a series of muscle injuries last year.

“Honestly, I am more than happy. Like I said, before the race I felt nervous and a bit under pressure. We all remember how my season ended last year with an injury that led to a very disappointing season. To be able to come back from that disappointment is just amazing and I thank God,” Lehata said.

Lehata is now preparing for the 55th Ostrava Golden Spike in Czech Republic on May 26 and the Meeting International de Forbach Port de France on May 29.

Asked about the possibility of joining the elite band of athletes to have run under nine seconds, Lehata said he is more focused on improving his performance and is not stressing about dipping under 10 seconds.

“People I work with strongly believe that I can go sub-10 for some reason. I don’t want to stress myself about it and I am focused on improving. I said to my coach, if I run nine seconds it will be a blessing,” he said.