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Marathon runner becomes South African hero
October 22, 1996
Web posted at: 10:55 p.m. EDT (0255 GMT)From Correspondent Mike Hanna
MPUMALANGA, South Africa (CNN) - The image of a new hero is being molded in South Africa. Josia Thugwane, a little-known marathon runner who came out of nowhere to win an Olympic gold medal last summer in Atlanta, is finally reaping the awards.
Thugwane has signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with Coca- Cola.
A Hero for South Africa - Josia Thugwane
22 sec./918K QuickTime movieThe journey to the 1996 summer games began in South Africa's bleak coal country, where Thugwane trained alone after a full day's work in the mines. Today he is preparing to buy his own house in the district and begin a new life, but he no longer runs alone. Thugwane says gangsters in the region are jealous of his success and have threatened to kill him, so his training partners are there for security as well as company.
"My legs and effort have made many things possible. An hour's running pays more than 30 days work, and being a winning athlete means I will not end up in a shack all my life."
-- Josia Thugwane
Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist
The Olympic gold medal is stored away in a bank, because Thugwane fears it will be stolen. A scar on his face and a broken tooth are the marks of a bullet fired by criminals who tried to steal his car.
Thugwane also carries the memories of racial discrimination in a white-ruled South Africa.
"Before, I was not allowed into some stadiums because I was told the facilities were for whites only. I had to do all my training on the road. Now I would like to see a stadium named after Josia Thugwane in which all people can run."
Thugwane's wish will be realized. Coca-Cola is establishing a fund in his name that will provide the facilities and support for black children who want to follow in his footsteps.
Related stories:
- Thugwane Win Closest Olympic Marathon - August 4, 1996
- Thugwane Wins Marathon To Conclude Olympic Track And Field - August 4, 1996
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