Ndhlovu’s road to Rio

AUGUSTA. — In less than a month’s time the sporting world’s eyes will turn to Rio De Janeiro for the summer Olympics. Once again, our area will be represented. Pardon Ndhlovu now calls Augusta home. His road to Rio, has been anything but smooth.

Any given day at the canal you may cross paths with Pardon Ndhlovu. He’ll be running, and running. After all, he’s now an Olympic marathoner.

“It started sinking in a week later when they actually started asking about travel arrangements. At that point that’s when it kind of hit me, wow, we’re actually going to Rio.” said Ndhlovu

His path to Rio hasn’t been easy. Back home in Zimbabwe, his running career started without something we all take for granted, shoes.

“I ran barefoot, for the most part when I was back home, just because we couldn’t afford to buy shoes. If you wanted to buy running shoes, you actually had to go to South Africa.” added Ndhlovu

It certainly didn’t hold him back.

“You know, standing in the line with other kids, athletes from private schools and they’re wearing shoes, I’m like, well, you know, I’m barefoot, your shoes are going to hold you back and I’m going to be faster because I’m barefoot and I don’t have things holding me back”, said a laughing Ndhlovu.

The former Mabvuku High School student was hoping to get a division one scholarship. His grades weren’t there and ended up at UNC Pembroke. That’s when the Olympic dreams started to take hold.

“That’s where the conversation of going to the Olympics started at Pembroke because I think I had a coach who saw a greater potential for what I had and was like, let’s just try it and see what happens.”

Long distance running is mental as much as physical and Ndhlovu has been focusing on that.

“The mental aspect is a little harder because you’re not there yet. You are just preparing your mind for when, like this happens, what’s going to happen? Most of that I actually do on my runs.” said Pardon

His goals for the Olympic marathon, to be one of the best.

“I think the first tier would be top ten, that would be great. The second tier would be top 15, and the third tier would be top 25, top 25 would be great. You know, I mean, finish the top 25 in the world in the Olympics, I’d be happy about it!” said Ndhlovu

Pardon will actually miss the opening ceremonies as he’ll travel a little later to Rio. But after his marathon, will be there for the closing festivities.