Motlalepula Thabana

Motlalepula Thabana

Personal information
Nationality	Lesotho
Born	(1950-02-27) 27 February 1950 (age 75)
Sport
Sport	Long-distance running
Event	10,000 metres

Motlalepula "Michael" Thabana (born 27 February 1950) is a Lesotho long-distance runner. He led the 1978 Commonwealth Games finals in the 10,000 metres and competed in the men's 10,000 metres at the 1980 Summer Olympics. ^[1]

Career

Thabana entered in the 10,000 metres at the 1978 Commonwealth Games. He led the finals on the first lap, opening up a gap on the field. Commentators did not take his position seriously, describing the "real leader" as Tony Simmons. He was passed by the third lap, and finished 19th in 35:32.24 minutes. ^{[2] [3]}

At the 1980 Olympics, Thabana was seeded in the first 10,000 metres heat. He was wearing a soccer jersey, shorts and socks, and spikeless shoes. He finished 10th in 34:01.5. He was said to have beaten John Treacy and Alexandr Antipov, who both did not finish in his heat. ^{[4] [5]}

References

1. Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Motlalepula Thabana Olympic Results". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
2. Motlalepula Thabana at Tilastopaja (subscription required)
3. "Foster claims first gold". The Guardian. 7 August 1978. p. 15. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
4. Motlalepula Thabana at World Athletics
5. "M. Gopal a fait un tres beau voyage". Le Devoir. 6 August 1980. p. 7. Retrieved 28 May 2025.