2024 Paris Olympics: SA hurdler Rogail Joseph’s ‘biggest dream’ is to qualify
The 24-year-old won South Africa’s 100th medal at the 13th African Games in Accra stealing gold in the women’s 400m hurdles in a time of 55.39 seconds.
South African hurdler Rogail Joseph. Picture: @_skhu_/X.
JOHANNESBURG – South African hurdler Rogail Joseph hopes to qualify for the Paris Olympics due to begin in July.
The 24-year-old won South Africa’s 100th medal at the 13th African Games in Accra, stealing gold in the women’s 400m hurdles at a time of 55.39 seconds.
“I am so proud of myself and surprised myself with my achievements in Ghana.”
Team SA has wrapped up its campaign at the 13th African Games in Accra. They ended with 106 medals, placing them third on the table behind Egypt and Nigeria.
The athlete says as pleased as she is with her performance in Ghana, she hopes her season continues with an upward trajectory as she looks forward to upcoming competitions.
“Right now I hope to run a PB (Personal Best) at the upcoming ASA Senior Championships and I hope with God next to me that I can qualify for the Olympics, that's my biggest dream.”
The Athletics South Africa (ASA) Senior National Championships (including multi-events and relays), will be held in Pietermaritzburg between 18-21 April. The Paris Olympic Games will occur in France from 26 July to 11 August.
Talking to Eyewitness News, Joesph who began athletics in primary school says one of the lessons she has learned as an athlete is determination.
“Never give up on a dream and talent that God gave you and always put in the extra work.”
The two-time African U20 champion’ who hails from Worcester says she hopes federations can assist athletes financially because funding is the biggest barrier for most talent.
“To prepare myself mentally ahead of competitions I always listen to gospel music and motivational videos.”