Tributes have poured in for South African long distance running champion Zithulele Sinqe, after his death in a car accident in Mpumalanga on Thursday.
“He was arguably one of South Africa’s greatest ever runners. He was both graceful and languid — it was like watching a racehorse when he ran,” Mike Finch, editor of Runner’s World told the Mail & Guardian.
The 48-year-old is best known for his exploits in the 1980s, when he was crowned SA marathon champion in in Port Elizabeth in 1986. His time of 2:08.04 was then the fifth fastest time in history.
Along with that he was known for his great rivalry with the likes of Willie Mtolo, Matthews Temane and Xolile Yawa — all considered some of the greats of South African road running.
Sinqe also excelled at ultra-marathon running, winning the 56km Two Oceans Marathon in 1996 and 1997, in the latter part of this career.
In recent years, Sinqe worked as a television commentator and was deeply involved in the development of running as a coach and mentor.
At the time of his death he was working in Balfour, Mpumalanga after he formed a development athletics club in the area.
“He was a fine athlete that was well respected by his peers. He was always hands-on in developing the sport and helping young runners in impoverished areas — he will be missed,” Comrades marathon chairperson Peter Proctor told the M&G.