Share

Jobodwana: ‘Podium, podium, podium – that’s all I thought of’

Beijing – After facing Usain Bolt in three major 200m finals – two world champions and the Olympics Games – Anaso Jobodwana has finally shared the podium with the Jamaican star.

In finishing third in a new national record 19.87 seconds for a bronze medal today, the 23-year-old handed Team SA its second gong in less than 24 hours at the ongoing IAAF World Championships.

This after Wayde van Niekerk delivered the gold from the 400m final yesterday.

Bolt took the race in 19.55 seconds with American Justin Gatlin grabbing silver in 19.74 seconds ahead of Jobodwana who bettered the 19.94 seconds that Van Niekerk set only last month.

“My coach said If I execute the race the best way that I can, I will be on the podium. And when I was running that’s all I thought of: podium, podium, podium,” said Jobodwana.

“I could have been foolish not to win a medal because I came here in the form of my life and I saw in the semifinals that everything we’ve been working on with my coach [Stuart McMillan] had come together. The race is always elevated when Bolt is in the race. It’s a great thing just feeling the power of the world record holder.”

Jobodwana will bid for a second competition medal with the 4x100m relay team on Saturday. 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1142 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1327 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2026 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE