Kamohelo Mofolo, a 21-year-old athlete from Lesotho, has qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after finishing third in the 2026 New York City Marathon in the United States. He clocked a personal best time of 2:06:26, a significant achievement for the young athlete. Mofolo's qualification is a milestone in his athletic career, which began on the dusty grounds of Joel Primary School in Ha Lesoma, Mafeteng. His journey to the Olympics is an inspiration to many young athletes in Lesotho.
Mofolo's athletic career started to take shape when his coach, Matlatsi Rankapuloke, recognized his potential and encouraged him to focus on athletics. He initially competed in track events such as the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 5km before progressing to longer distances. Mofolo's breakthrough came when he won gold in the 1,500m at the Confederation of Schools Sports Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in Botswana. This victory motivated his parents to continue supporting his athletic career.
Mofolo's family has played a crucial role in his athletic journey, providing support and encouragement throughout his career. He joined Lemohang Mandoro's training group and later McKirdy Trained in the USA, where he continued to develop his skills. Mofolo made his debut in the full marathon (42.2km) this year, and his third-place finish in the New York City Marathon has earned him a spot at the 2028 Olympics.
The Olympic qualifying standard for the men's marathon is expected to be 2:06:00, but Mofolo secured qualification by finishing among the top five at a World Marathon Major. He is now looking forward to achieving the official marathon qualifying time, which will be a significant milestone in his career. Mofolo's achievement has not only earned him a spot at the Olympics but also recognition as a rising star in Lesotho's athletic scene.
Mofolo's New York Marathon experience was his second full marathon, with his first being the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in May this year. He finished 11th in 2:08:50 at the Cape Town Marathon, an impressive performance that demonstrated his potential. Mofolo's coach played a crucial role in his preparation, advising him to remain calm and focused during the New York Marathon.
Mofolo has accumulated an impressive list of achievements in his short athletic career, including representing Lesotho at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier this year. He is also the national record holder in the men's 10km road race, with a time of 27:47. Additionally, he is the leading Basotho athlete in the men's 10,000m, having clocked 28:01.00 at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Mofolo's qualification for the Olympics is a testament to his talent, determination, and discipline. He is among the athletes benefiting from the Olympic Solidarity (OS) Athlete Scholarship Programme, which provides financial and other support to athletes preparing for the Olympic Games. Mofolo's journey serves as an inspiration to young aspiring athletes in Lesotho, urging them to take sport seriously and recognize its potential as a career.
Key points
- Kamohelo Mofolo qualifies for 2028 Olympics with third-place finish in New York City Marathon
- Mofolo's athletic career began on the dusty grounds of Joel Primary School in Ha Lesoma, Mafeteng
- Mofolo's qualification is a milestone in his athletic career, which has been supported by his family and coaches throughout.
