Prudence Sekgodiso becomes first South African woman to win gold in 800m

Prudence Sekgodiso has become the first SA-born woman to clinch a gold medal in the 800m at the 2025 World Indoor Championships held in Nanjing, China.

The 23-year-old middle-distance star’s dazzling performance will be remembered as a display of both strategic intelligence and explosive speed. Securing gold on the third and final day of the championships, Sekgodiso crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1:58.40 seconds. Her victory is particularly significant, marking only the second time a South African has won a medal at the Indoor Championships, joining the ranks of the renowned Akani Simbine, who took home a bronze in the men’s 60m race.

Throughout the race, Sekgodiso exhibited remarkable racecraft. After entering the final as the second-fastest qualifier, she faced stiff competition from Ethiopia’s formidable duo, Nigist Getachew and Tsiga Duguma, who led for the majority of the event.

However, it was the final 200m where Sekgodiso showcased her exceptional sprinting capabilities, overtaking the Ethiopian athletes in a breathtaking finish that highlighted her athletic prowess. With an astonishing kick during the last lap, she broke free, demonstrating both physical conditioning and mental fortitude.

Having already qualified for the Olympic 800m final in Paris last year, Sekgodiso’s focus now shifts to the upcoming World Championships, where she aims to build on her recent success and continue to establish herself as a dominant force in middle-distance running.

Her historic performance at the Indoor Championships not only cements her legacy but also inspires a new generation of athletes in SA.