Talented cross-country and middle-distance track athlete Mohlouwa Molutsi (23) from Thaba Nchu is living his education and sport dream abroad.
Excellent performance in both academic studies and athletic pursuits has secured him another full athletics scholarship from the Middle Tennessee State University in America.
Molutsi is pursuing a degree in Information Technology (IT).
The runner says his target is to complete his studies in May 2025. He obtained his first prestigious associate degree, in Sports Management, at the Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York. He graduated in June last year – much to his delight.
Molutsi has vowed to make use of this once-in-a-life-time opportunity.
“My talent has gotten me so far, and it is my ambition to use my talent to become a better person,” he said.
He left South Africa in January 2021 to study abroad via a full sport scholarship that has enabled him to unleash his full potential in both athletics and academics.
Since his arrival at the Monroe College in 2021, Molutsi has excelled in athletics – both indoor and track and field – as well as a cross-country championship. He is a five-time United States Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), All-American in indoor and outdoor track and field winner.
Molutsi was also invited to the 2022 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field All-America Second Team as part of Monroe’s distance medley relay. During his maiden year at the Monroe University, he was named the Atlantic region sports man of the year 2021 for cross-country.
“I feel proud of myself because I never let my background determine my future,” says Molutsi.
“I am doing this for my family and, more especially, to try to inspire people who come from a similar background. This is to show them it does not matter where you come from – as long as you work hard. Hard work has paid off. It was never easy, but the level of dedication and determination I put in my sporting career and education has taken me this far.”
Molutsi’s journey began with his recruitment by sport academies in Johannesburg and Durban. He says his spirit was not dampened by those who doubted his abilities.
“Looking back at how people and coaches doubted my athletic and academic ability, it is crazy – because, truly speaking, I feel they are the ones who make me want to achieve everything they said I could not.
“I usually use negative comments to push myself beyond the limits,” said Molutsi.
The athlete was raised by a single parent, who passed away years ago. Back home in Thaba Nchu, Molutsi has two siblings, Omphetse and Amogelang.
The Mangaung Athletic Club made it possible for the athlete to realise his dream to study and pursue athletics in America by raising funds.
