JOSIAH THUGWANE

From dirt to gold

Josiah Thugwane's story is that of a former janitor who used his feet to change his life. Thugwane earned the highest accolade long-distance running by winning a gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics - the first South African to win gold.

Thugwane was inspired to run by long-distance champions Matthews Temane, Zithulele Singqe and Xolile Yawa, when he realised that his dream of becoming a professional soccer player was not going to become a reality.

He took his first step at the age of 17, competing in a half marathon and winning R50 for finishing first. Over the next five years, Thugwane ran more than 50 marathons and had a string of first five finishes, including the National Marathon in 1993 and the Honolulu Marathon in 1995.

Thugwane then went on to win the national trials and was chosen to be part of the South African team that would carry the country's new flag in Atlanta. Speaking before the marathon, the illiterate 25-year-old said: "The country has chosen me, this is what is best for the country. That is why they chose me, to represent the country well. So I will try my best today."

Thugwane's path to success was fraught with hardships. Born in the small town of Bethal, Thugwane cleaned kitchens and toilets for a living before making road running a professional career..

Apart from the obvious financial challenges, Thugwane found himself a victim of crime and greed. He was shot and injured in a hijacking before the Olympics, and his return proved even more dangerous. His neighbours and gangs of criminals all wanted a piece of his newly won wealth, and he was subjected to burglary attempts, demands and death threats.

This did not deter Thugwane. He continued to compete and succeed internationally - and learnt how to read and write, and to speak English.

Now retired from active competition, Thugwane has devoted himself to training young athletes who aspire to emulate his achievements.